DRUGS BIG PART IN HOMICIDES, SAY POLICE

One in seven killers were under the influence of cannabis at the time of
their crime, and one in five were regular cannabis users, police told
Parliament yesterday.

Figures supplied by police to Parliament's health select committee inquiry
into the mental health effects of cannabis show that nine out of 67
killings 96 one in seven 96 last year reported being under the influence
of cannabis at the time of the homicide they committed.

Fourteen of the 67 offenders 96 one in five 96 reported being regular
users of cannabis. Five reported also being under the influence of other
drugs at the time of the offence.

The figures also show that one in seven victims of homicide were just as
likely to be affected by cannabis. About one in four victims were reported
to have been regular cannabis users.

Assistant police commissioner Ian Holyoake told the committee that
legalising cannabis would not stop criminal involvement in drugs. If
cannabis was legalised, criminals would switch to another drug to deal, he
said.

"If you stop making one thing illegal the criminals will deal in another.
They won't reform 96 they won92t start growing tea or coffee or sugar."

Police have told the select committee they oppose the legalisation of cannabis.

That is despite submissions from the Health Ministry saying cannabis did
not pose a big public health risk.

Police were not health experts, but believed cannabis was inherently
harmful, with serious health risks to regular and long-term users, Mr
Holyoake said.