HEROIN USE INCREASES FIVE-FOLD IN THREE YEARS - PENINGTON

Heroin use in Victoria has increased five-fold in the past three years,
according to the state government's top drug adviser.

David Penington says a hit of heroin now costs $20-$25, but the drug is
purer than those available five years ago.

Dr Penington, who chairs the government's policy expert committee, says
governments must tackle the drug problem at all levels, including education
campaigns and prevention.

Dr Penington's committee is investigating the establishment of safe
injecting rooms which the state government wants to trial in Melbourne.

The committee is looking at where the injecting rooms should be located.

Dr Penington released an issues paper today outlining details of 42 safe
injecting facilities in Europe.

He says that even in Victoria over the past three years use of heroin has
increased from what was previously stated to be 0.2 per cent of the adult
population to now 1 per cent.