DELAMERE DRUG SENSE

The Drug Foundation wishes to record its support for recent statements by
Customs Minister Tuariki Delamere at the United Nations General Assembly on
Drugs.

Mr Delamere said New Zealand drug policies aim to reduce the harm caused by
drug-taking, as well as trying to stop it happening.

For example, our needle-swapping scheme has kept the HIV infection rate
amongst drug users one of the lowest anywhere. This contrasts with the
United States "war on drugs" approach, which sees needle exchange as
condoning drug use.

The United Nations has recognised the need for alternative economic
development in drug-producing countries and reduction of demand in consuming
countries.

The Drug Foundation is keen to contribute its experience to international
efforts that New Zealand makes in this regard.

We applaud Mr Delamere and his colleagues for their support of an expanded
range of international responses to drug problems. We should also keep
working at finding our own solutions, remembering that there is no "easy fix".

Sally Jackman Executive director Drug Foundation

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett