NOT THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH DRUGS

Police activity in Footscray resulting in 50 arrests and more than 350
charges being laid gives the impression that local traders and residents
see this as a successful strategy in "getting rid of the scourge" (The Age,
5/3). Such strategies are well known to simply shift the problem
geographically and have no impact overall.

Young people caught up in a pattern of problematic drug use are already in
trouble; being arrested and charged by itself does nothing to address this
significant public health problem. Indeed such a strategy may produce more
harm than was intended. First, it may introduce young people to a criminal
justice system that places them in contact with older more sophisticated
offenders. Second, it may disperse them into more hidden residential
environments where the risks of overdose are greater.

The health-related initiatives supported by State Government policy and
implemented by health and welfare services have had a significant impact on
reducing the prevalence of deaths by overdose and created increased access
to treatment for drug users. Let's not see localised and ineffective law
enforcement strategies compromise this progress.

David Murray, executive officer, The Youth Substance Abuse Service, Fitzroy