ZURICH TOWN COUNCIL CONFIRMS DRUG POLICY

Extended To Include All Drugs

The Zurich town council has reviewed the principles on which it founded its
drug policy in 1991. The review established the continuing validity of
those principles. The goal of an invisible drug scene has been achieved.
Its maintenance depends as much now as then on a great effort from all the
participating bodies. What is new is the extension of the existing
principles to drugs generally.

Representing the municipal council were Esther Maurer, Monika Sticker, and
Robert Neukomm, representing respectively, the departments of the police,
social affairs and health. At a Wednesday press conference, they declared
themselves well satisfied with the progress made by Zurich in the general
area of drug control.

Whether or not there are more addicts or more or less drug consumption
could not be shown,\ though there were certain indications, one of which
was the drop in the daily number of injections given by the health
department. Stating this, health committee chairman Neukomm reminded the
group that the overall aim had not been to "solve" the drug problem, but
simply to reduce it to tolerable proportions.

The 'Four Pillar Strategy'

The actualisation of the concept of the 'Four Pillar Strategy' was again
confirmed by the council: Prevention, Therapy, Welfare and
(strict)Supervision.

Municipal assistance will continue to be restricted to residents of Zurich.
The protection of the population is to be given the highest priority along
with the prevention of ugly scenes connected with a struggle for the drug
market.

The town will be ready to support any national or international measures
which conform with the spirit of these principles.

Checked-by: Richard Lake