ICE BOOM WARNING

YOUTH workers have warned of a boom in use of the dangerous drug ``ice'' on
Melbourne streets.

Staff from the Open Family agency say there are increasing numbers of young
people suffering severe paranoia, mood swings and violent tendencies
because of the powerful methamphetamine.

A heroin supply shortage has made many more turn to ice.

Open Family youth worker Jamie Boyd said ice, once comparatively rare, was
now easily purchased on the street or in clubs by drug-users.

``It keeps you up for days on end. After a while, you're believing all
sorts of crazy things,'' Mr Boyd said. ``I was talking to someone the other
day who hadn't slept for three or four days who started telling crazy
stories about how police were following him and were on top of buildings
spying on him.''

Mr Boyd's colleague, Les Twentyman, said ice was known to have been a
factor in many acts of violence.