THE SMART WAY TO TACKLE DRUGS

The Burnet Institute has carried out health-focused research with drug
users for more than 15 years. Much of this has occurred during periods of
increased police activity. The recent crackdowns on drug trafficking in
Footscray (The Age, 5/3) are old news. Police strategies aimed at
controlling the use and availability of heroin provide solutions for only a
minority of those involved.

These crackdowns will never reduce the amount of heroin available on the
streets. Research here and in Sydney shows that they only increase drug
users' risk of overdose, HIV and hepatitis C.

Crackdowns will clog up our already stretched court and prison systems and
send drug users away from the health services that governments provide.
Instead, multi-faceted, integrated, co-ordinated and sustainable programs
must be resourced and developed to deliver positive outcomes for drug
users, local traders and the community.

Peter Higgs, research officer the Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical
Research and Public Health, Melbourne