RECORD BUST A DROP IN THE OCEAN OF HEROIN

THE record heroin seizure earlier this year by federal police failed
to interrupt the drug's supply in Australia, with prices continuing to
drop and use continuing to rise.

An assessment by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in the
two weeks after the 400kg seizure in October was that the haul
comprised no more than 5-10 per cent of the nation's heroin market.

NDARC researcher Shane Darke said policing was still a vital part of
the drug strategy and the lack of effect of the seizure, one of the
world's largest drug busts, illustrated the size of the heroin market.

The results of the Illicit Drug Reporting System show heroin purity is
increasing, while prices and use are falling in NSW and Victoria, and
stable in South Australia. Amphetamine use has risen in South
Australia and is stable in NSW and Victoria.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry