PM STANDS BY DRUG POLICY

The Prime Minister has defended the Government's 'tough on drugs'
policy while accusing the ABC's Four Corners program of
misrepresentation and unbalanced reporting.

A program on the politics of heroin last night said the Government's
zero tolerance approach is assuming control of policy under the Prime
Minister and his drugs adviser.

Mr Howard says the reduced availability of heroin and increased
treatment services have helped bring down the number of deaths by
overdose.

In a statement issued today he says the Government does take a zero
tolerance approach to trafficking and drugs in schools, but also
supports prevention and rehabilitation.