Drug Demand Still High
Cannabis remains the dominant illicit drug in Australia.
The number of illicit drug seizures has increased by 70 per cent in the last 10 years.
Amphetamines arrests have doubled over the last 10 years and are now at record levels.
Cocaine arrests and use indicate a potential expansion of the Australian cocaine market.
(Source: Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2008/9 released 8 June 2010)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This report indicates that illicit drug demand is still high with cannabis use dominating.
Amphetamines are a significant drug in demand with cocaine demand likely to expand.
Whilst border protection and law enforcement are bearing the brunt of the control of illicit drug use the high demand is driving supply.
Governments need to take illicit drug use seriously and focus on demand reduction as our international obligations demand.
Demand reduction would starve international and Australian criminals of drug funds and help border and law agencies.
To curb demand illicit drug users need to be diverted into drug rehabilitation at the first apprehension to get them free of drug use.
Curbing illicit drug use and reducing the number of drug users is the missing link in Australian drug policy so its time to invest in rehabilitation programs.
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.
20/2010
