THE HEROIN INDUSTRY

I FEEL compelled to reply to Opposition Leader Steve Bracks’ policy and
comments on the drug problem (Herald Sun, August 16).

I would have thought the first thing to do would be to study the results of
government policies (of both sides of politics) before attempting something
new such as a drug policy.

Implemented policies of the past 20 years or so have seen the creation of
many departments, committees, enquiries, legal aid facilities, methadone
programs, free needles and so on.

The needle manufacturers must have thought all their Christmases had come
at once when that contract came up.

These policies have seen huge employment growth in the addict “service
industries”, plus a massive increase in drug-addicted people, at huge cost
to the community and taxpayer.

If the same amount of money and resources was spent in getting rid of drug
traffickers and pushers, I doubt the problem would be as bad as it is today.

I would like these people to get a mandatory 25 years’ jail on conviction,
have all assets taken and be deported at the end of their sentence if
originally from another country.

The present and proposed policies are an absolute farce.

I should know — my younger brother died of a heroin overdose after years of
service from the “industry”.

Jim Brennan,
Sunbury