BOOZE, DRUGS FUEL CRIMINALS

CHARLOTTETOWN -- A national study on substance abuse and crime has
confirmed what many have long suspected: Booze and drugs fuel criminal
activity.

Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay released the results yesterday of a
three-year study into the cause and effect of substance abuse on Canadian
crime rates. The study found alcohol is more often associated with violent
crimes such as murder and assault, while illegal drugs are more often
linked to break-ins and robberies.

"This report tells us two main things," MacAulay said. "It tells us that
drugs and alcohol cause crime -- they aren't just related -- and the cost
of this abuse on Canadians is high."

The study, conducted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, is based on
interviews with about 10,000 male and female prisoners in provincial and
federal institutions.

Most offenders (54%) told researchers they were under the influence of
either alcohol or drugs when they committed their most serious crimes.

Michel Perron, head of the Ottawa-based substance abuse centre, said the
study establishes a clear, causal link between drinking too much, using
illegal drugs and breaking the law.

"It confirms for many people in the field of addictions what we've known
all along: That the nexus between alcohol, drugs and crime is very strong.
This is a huge factor contributing to crime in Canada."

He said 40% to 50% of all crimes examined in the study, ranging from murder
to shoplifting, can be attributed to either drugs or alcohol.

He added 10% to 15% of crimes are linked to illicit drugs; 15% to 20% to
alcohol only; and 10% to 20% to a combination of both.

MacAulay said he wasn't surprised by the numbers, adding seven of every 10
federal inmates have addiction problems.

"People commit crime to support their habit," he said.

"They either want a fix or alcohol. There's nothing more horrible. That is
why they commit the crime."

But MacAulay didn't have any quick fixes for the problem.

He made no announcements as he released the report's findings, promising
only that the statistical data would be used in developing future policies
and programs.

The $250,000 study was paid for with contributions from several federal
departments, including Health Canada, as well as the RCMP and the Canadian
Association of Chiefs of Police.