OUR REGION AWASH WITH DRUGS

The Asia Pacific region around Australia has a growing problem with ICE and ECSTASY according to a recent report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Thailand and Myanmar reported higher seizures of ICE in a higher purity and a more potent form.

Laos and Cambodia reported seizures of ICE for the first time in 2005.

HEROIN and CANNABIS continue to have a widespread presence.

The club drug KETAMINE was reported as a drug used in the majority of countries in Asia.

(Source: Patterns and Trends of Amphetamine Stimulants and Other Drugs of Abuse in East Asia and the Pacific 2005).

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA COMMENTS-

An increasing use of ICE and ECSTASY within our region WILL impact on Australia as it will increase supply of drugs in close proximity to us.

Australia has a growing market for both ICE and ECSTASY with these drugs popular with young affluent users at clubs and pubs.

Australia MUST reduce the demand for illicit drugs so we will not be caught up in this increasing regional demand.

Using Australian courts to divert illicit drug users into detoxification and rehabilitation reduces the demand for illicit drugs and also cuts off funds to criminals.

Australian needs a comprehensive system of detoxification and rehabilitation programs to cope with this increasing demand.

Australians can get caught up in trafficking illicit drugs in the region therefore exposing themselves to severe penalties.

THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-

More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.

Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.

Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.

36/2006