NSW GOVERNMENT BACKS USE OF HEROIN DETOX DRUG

The New South Wales Government has approved the use of the
controversial detoxification drug Naltrexone to treat heroin addiction.

NSW is the first state to approve the use of the drug in public
hospitals.

The drug is expected to be available later in the year for addicts who
begin detoxification.

Naltrexone suppresses heroin cravings and prevents any heroin high if
the patient shoots up.

NSW Special Minister of State John Della Bosca said individuals would
be assessed for whether the drug was appropriate before it was given.

"The initiative is an important element in our approach to tackling
the drug program," Mr Della Bosca said.

Addicts who begin detoxification would be given the drug in the second
day of their withdrawal, shortening the process by two days.

Mr Della Bosca stressed that the drug would not be used for "rapid
detox" where there are serious risks associated with the use of
general anaesthesia.

Kings Cross cafes that sell marijuana as well as food may soon be shut
down, New South Wales Police said yesterday.

Police said they were awaiting court orders to close down a number of
Kings Cross cafes because of drug-related activity.

A Sydney newspaper yesterday reported that staff at five cafes were
openly dealing in drugs, including two where customers could buy
marijuana as easily as coffee.