HEROIN DROUGHT HAS PROS AND CONS SAYS POLICE CHIEF

The Australian Federal Police says there is anecdotal evidence that the
nationwide "heroin drought" has led to an increase in the number of users
seeking treatment in the ACT.

Chief police officer, John Murray, says the shortage in heroin has also
resulted in a drop in property crime, particularly car theft.

But he says with heroin users now turning to amphetamines, new policing
problems have arisen, including the increase in violent crime.

"Unfortunately there will be a move towards more violence and that's one of
the characteristics of this drug," he said.

"In terms of policing strategies we will have to shift our emphasis towards
that."