CONTROLLED HEROIN DISTRIBUTION GIVEN THE NOD

SWITZERLAND'S experimental drug-distribution program is set to be extended
after Swiss lawmakers yesterday gave the go-ahead for doctors to prescribe
heroin to long-term addicts on a permanent basis.

The upper house of parliament approved the measure by 30 votes to four,
following approval by the lower house the previous day.

The move is expected to increase from 800 to some 2000 or more the number
of addicts who can receive controlled distribution. It comes into effect
Saturday.

Until now, the daily supply of nominally priced heroin to addicts who had
rejected all forms of therapy was on an experimental basis.

Switzerland's experiment with drug distribution began in 1994 with the
first government-authorised distribution of heroin, morphine and methadone.
A three-year study last year said the project had slashed crime, misery and
death associated with the hard-core drug scene.

In September 1997, voters overwhelmingly endorsed the Government's liberal
drug policies, including the distribution program. In a referendum, nearly
71 per cent threw out a proposal which would have clamped down on drugs use.

Immediately after the vote, the health ministry announced plans to put
State provision of heroin to long-term addicts on a permanent legal footing.

Interior Minister Ruth Dreifuss told lawmakers that passing the measure to
extend the program could help save lives. Some 150 addicts are on the
waiting list, she said.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski