INTERSTATE DRUG RUN IN POLICE EYE

QUEENSLAND Police were investigating an interstate drug operation where
pushers from Sydney's Cabramatta area were dealing in Ipswich, west of
Brisbane, a senior Beattie Government minister claimed yesterday.

Tourism, Sport and Racing Minister Bob Gibbs, whose son died from a drug
overdose two years ago, revealed the investigation as the Government
announced an anti-drugs youth summit later this year.

The summit forms part of a seven-point strategy including an extra nine
police for the Ipswich suburb of Goodna which has allegedly been targeted
by the NSW drug dealers.

Mr Gibbs, whose electorate includes Goodna, said there was evidence drug
networks were being set up in the suburb.

"The police have advised me they have a strong belief that there are links
between people coming from Cabramatta into the area being involved with the
drug dealing," Mr Gibbs.

"It may well be that those people are establishing networks in the area.
Some of the information given to me by local police would indicate that has
been the case.

"That vermin are not wanted in our community and every step will be taken
to uncover and get rid of them."

Premier Peter Beattie yesterday indicated that a controversial heroin
detoxification trial using the drug naltrexone could proceed. The trial was
promised by the previous Coalition government.

Shortly after coming to power, Health Minister Wendy Edmond expressed
concerns about the Israeli-developed detoxification program as being risky.

But Mr Beattie said a decision on the future of the trial would be made in
the next few days.

"It is likely that it will go ahead," Mr Beattie said.

"We are working out the detail now . . . there are some concerns and we are
addressing those concerns now."

Opposition health spokeswoman Fiona Simpson yesterday called on the
Government to act immediately and commit to the trial.

"The time for talking about drugs is over," she said.

"It's now time for action."

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson