SWITZERLAND FOUND A WAY TO DEAL WITH HEROIN ADDICTION

Re: Shooting spree and drug addiction are linked, Letters, Dec. 19

I'm writing about Greg Harms' thoughtful letter. Actually the title
should read: Shooting spree and drug prohibition are linked.

Switzerland used to have a very serious heroin addiction problem. Now
their heroin problem is a small fraction of what it used to be. Did
the Swiss government get really tough on drug dealers and addicts?

No. (Actually they got real tough on heroin dealers because they put
them out of business).

In 1994, Switzerland started an experimental program to sell heroin
addicts the drug at very low cost, even giving it to the addicts who
couldn't afford it. In 2008, 68 per cent of the Swiss voted to make
the program permanent. Their overall crime rate has fallen
dramatically. Will Canada and the U.S. adopt Switzerland's heroin
policy? Probably not. Too many people, industries and institutions
have a vested financial interest in maintaining the status quo of drug
prohibition.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Arizona