AUSTRALIAN PM TO DISCUSS DRUGS WITH FBI CHIEF

CANBERRA, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister John Howard will
consult U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation director Louis Freeh on Friday
on the merits of adopting a U.S.-style, zero-tolerance strategy in combating
illegal drugs.

Howard says he favours zero tolerance towards drug use and drug-related
crimes. But he is under pressure to consider other measures in Australia's
battle against heroin in particular.

Freeh is primarily in Australia to discuss security arrangements for the
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games which he has said will be a prime opportunity for
terrorist attacks.

Howard said he did not necessarily believe drug policies that worked in the
United States would also work in Australia, but he wanted to hear Freeh's
advice.

"I've never been somebody who thinks you can transfer directly from American
experience to Australia, but I can't see any harm in seeking his views,
getting a rundown on their experience," Howard told Melbourne radio.

"Whether you agree with zero tolerance or not, the fact is that New York 10
years ago had a horrific reputation around the world and everybody now says
it's a much safer and more congenial place," Howard said.

"Surely we should at least be interested in that."

Howard said a year ago at a drug-strategy launch that 526 people had died in
Australia from heroin in 1996.

He said he would discuss other subjects with Freeh, but did not give
details. His office said it was unlikely Olympic security would be on the
agenda.

On Thursday, Freeh said upcoming international events in Australia and in
New Zealand, which will host a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders this year,
presented "targets of opportunity" for terrorist attacks.