HEROIN DEATHS NOT AN ARENA FOR POINT-SCORING

I would have thought that a reduction of deaths from heroin would have been
welcomed and received bipartisan support.

Kerry Chikarovski has been vocal in opposition to policy reforms introduced
by the NSW Government in the last couple of years. Opposition is legitimate
in the political process but her dismissal of the latest figures for
drug-related deaths last year is very disappointing and hurtful to families
struggling to survive their loved ones' drug problems.

The reduction of 38 per cent is significant, especially when these figures
precede the heroin shortage of the current year.

Every death is regrettable and we still need to save more lives. The
transfer to other drugs by former heroin users, particularly speed and
cocaine, brings significant other problems and indeed we need to constantly
revise initiatives to counter new drug trends.

For those of us who fight to reduce deaths from drugs, these figures are
the most welcome news for some years. All who play their part in combating
drug problems can take a measure of credit, including all levels of
government. Let's not score cheap political points on this most sensitive
of social issues.

Tony Trimingham

Family Drug Support

Willoughby

Bob Carr's Government recently unveiled a "tough" anti-gang package
(Herald, December 5). The drug lords that the Police Minister, Michael
Costa, has vowed to smash are no doubt thrilled. Tough drug laws give rise
to a lucrative black market in illegal drugs, effectively subsidising
organised crime. That the new act is "strongly influenced by US research"
is cause for alarm. US Government research on drugs is highly politicised
and should be viewed with scepticism. American politicians refuse to learn
from American history. Like the modern drug war, alcohol prohibition
financed organised crime during the early 1900s, while failing miserably at
preventing use.

American liquor producers no longer kill each other in turf battles, nor do
consumers go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. The crime, corruption,
and overdose deaths attributed to drugs are all direct results of drug
prohibition.

Opportunistic US politicians disingenuously use this collateral damage to
justify a failed policy.

Unfortunately, the former land of the free and current record-holder in
citizens incarcerated continues to use its superpower status to export a
dangerous moral crusade around the globe.

Robert Sharpe

The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation

Washington, DC, US