DO NOT LET THE USA TWIST OUR ARM

THE GOVERNMENT'S hostility to the distribution of heroin to addicts on
prescription is not, as they claim, because it sends the wrong signal to the
drug-using community.

The wrong signal is to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), who
have a strong influence in the International Narcotics Control Board.

Soon after Mr Howard returned from a recent visit to the USA, where he had
discussions with the DEA, Dr Michael Wooldridge, Minister for Health, up to
that time supportive of heroin trials, gave a TV interview in which he
recanted, fairly obviously because of the party line.

In turning his coat, he made a very revealing remark about the possible
disaster of losing the Tasmanian poppy industry, a $100 million a year
export business.

My guess is that his concern arose from a threat by the DEA to intercede to
have the Tasmanian product, which goes mainly to Europe for use in
pharmaceuticals, banned from world markets.

Any officially sponsored distribution of heroin is contrary to the DEA
hard-line total prohibition, which pays no heed to harm minimisation, the
continuing failure to block the supply side of the drug business or the huge
cost of drug-related crime and disease and its appalling social
consequences.

We need a study of the costs and benefits of distributing heroin on
prescription, at least until they can be stabilised and rehabilitated.

If we can gain control of the demand side, the supply side will collapse.

Let's solve our own problem and not be a meekly compliant appendage of the
USA.

COLIN P. GLOVER Canberra City