FED: Report today shows drug strategy failing Kerr

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2000
FED: Report today shows drug strategy failing Kerr

The Federal Opposition says the the government's drug strategy is proving ineffective
with a new report released today showing a rise in the use of most illicit drugs.

Opposition justice spokesman DUNCAN KERR says the number of heroin users over the age
of 14 rose by 50 per cent in the three years to 1998.

And Mr KERR says despite record heroin seizures in 1998-99, there appears to be no
marked decrease in its availability.

The 1998-99 Australian Illicit Drug Report has also found 40 per cent of the population
over the age of 14 has tried cannabis.

Cocaine is the only illegal drug not gaining in popularity, according to the findings.

AAP RTV rmg/tso/sub/tso/dmc

KEYWORD: DRUGS (CANBERRA)

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