Drug supply Increases
The latest report from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime highlights an increase in the world supply of opium and cocaine.
Afghanistan had a record harvest of opium with doubling of supply between 2005 and 2007 leading to a heroin tsunami and reduced prices.
Columbia increased the supply of coca used for cocaine by 27 per cent in 2007 alone.
Afghanistan has become a major producer of cannabis resin with THC toxins almost doubling making the cannabis stronger.
The regions in these countries where the illicit drugs are produced are under the control of insurgents.
The United Nations agency has warned that illicit drug containment is under threat from these increased supplies of drugs.
(Source: United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime 2008 World Drug Report)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
All heroin and cocaine use in Australia is supplied from overseas sources which puts great strain on our border protection agencies.
Australia is bound by United Nations covenants to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in order to blunt the increased supply.
If cheaper heroin is freely available in the world this could revive the heroin supply in Australia and increase the heroin deaths.
The Australian Crime Commission has consistently warned of the risks to Australia from the increased availability of heroin and cocaine.
Australia NEEDS a comprehensive and effective NATIONAL illicit drug prevention system to be set up that reduces demand.
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.
25/2008
