HOW TO STOP DRUG GANG KILLINGS

A series of killings by drug criminals in Melbourne are related to a battle for the illicit drug market.

At stake is the control of the cocaine, amphetamine, LSD and ecstasy drug industry.

Some of those involved in the drug war are on charges for illicit drug trafficking.

The drug market in Melbourne is estimated at $2000 million by investigating police.

(Source: Melbourne Herald Sun 2/4/04)

INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD’S SOLUTIONS

The latest annual report of the International Narcotic Control Board stated that the only way to keep criminals out, is to implement drug demand reduction strategies.

The New York representative of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime has stated “when trafficking groups compete for market share, violent confrontations result”.

The U.N. representative claimed that increasing dependence on drug dealing as a means of livelihood led to authorities losing control over parts of their communities.

(Source: United Press International 2/3/04 United Nations New York)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENT

The only way to stop gangland killings in Australia is to severely diminish the illicit drug trade and demand.

This reduction in demand will severely reduce money going to the drug criminals.

A reduction in illicit drug demand will also cut of money going to international criminals and terrorists that supply drugs to Australia.

Australian governments have international obligations to reduce demand for illicit drugs under United Nations agreements.

Illicit drug demand can be reduced by directing illicit drug users into detoxification then rehabilitation to a drug free state instead of incarceration.

Australia does NOT use its courts to direct illicit drug users into a drug free life.

Australia ’s illicit drug use is much higher than other countries that use their courts to direct users into detoxification and rehabilitation.

13/2004