BAIL FOR AIDS WORKER FACING DRUG CHARGE

THIS is Debra Gal Sneath. who is charged with selling heroin through her
job at a State Government-funded needle exchange program.

Sneath, 42, of Klemzig, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court
yesterday charged with five counts of selling heroin.

The offences allegedly occurred at Norwood on October 9, 12 and 16, and
November 27 and 30. Sneath was employed by the South Australian Voice for
Intravenous Education needle-exchange program, funded by the Government
through the AIDS Council of South Australia.

After yesterday's court hearing, the executive director of the AIDS
Council, Mr Peter Kay, confirmed Sneath had been suspended from work on
December 1.

Another employee was also suspended after being fined following the
discovery of a small amount of marijuana during a police search of the
SAVIVE premises.

Sneath became the focus of a special Investigation after Drug Task Force
detectives received a tip-off.

The court was told she worked four days a week at the Norwood program,
exchanging needles and providing information about minimising the risks of
injecting drugs.


Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson