The Age [7/03/2005] - 'Party drug warning as heroin dries up'

[hoptis]

Party drug warning as heroin dries up
By Alexandra Smith
March 7, 2005

The Federal Government should be "seriously concerned" about the abuse of party drugs, including the potentially lethal GHB, as heroin dries up and new drugs gain popularity.

The latest report by the International Narcotics Control Board, responsible for implementing the United Nations' drug conventions, says trafficking of party drugs is also a concern.

Heroin abuse is at its lowest in five years, mainly because it is difficult to source.

"Party drugs, such as GHB, as well as ketamine trafficking and abuse, are a cause for serious concern in Australia, as is the abuse of several benzodiazepines diverted from licit distribution channels," the report says.

"The reduction in the availability of heroin in Australia has resulted in heroin abusers turning to other drugs."

Federal Minister for Justice and Customs Chris Ellison rejected the report's assertions.

"No one can accuse this Government of being soft on drugs," Senator Ellison said. He said there had been "record seizures" of party drugs and raw materials for making drugs.

The annual report was again heavily critical of Sydney's drug injecting room in Kings Cross.

The board's report also found that Australia and New Zealand had the highest drug and raw material seizures in the Oceania region, with a "substantial increase" in the illicit manufacture and abuse of amphetamines.

"The total number of clandestine laboratories detected in Australia reached 314 in 2003," the report said.

Cannabis growers were increasingly using hydroponic methods to cultivate plants because it offered a higher yield from fewer plants, but large numbers of plants and equipment were being seized, it said.

"As a result of the strategy Tough on Drugs, introduced by the (Federal) Government in 1997, large quantities of cannabis have been seized at Australian borders," the report said.

From The Age

 

[yeahdude]

"heroin abusers turning to other drugs" what are they? herion abusers? what are they now?
*people who like to use drugs are now using other drugs because they can no longer get their original drugs.
....well no shit, who would have thought!

 

[turkish]

lol.. as if its harrd to find heroin... if u want it you'll get it the government just like to belive their cleaning up the streets

 

[Bent]

I was in Russell Street on Saturday arvo....and I was told my name was Jason on more than a few occasions in the space of 2 minutes.

Difficult to source my arse.

 

[JoeBloggs]

Thats rediculous, their implying that heroin users cant get a hit, so they suddenly decide to become addicted to something else as if theres no such thing as withdrawl. Or like their using party drugs to combat their withdrawl symptoms. What a load of crap.

 

[johnboy]

This really seems like a report from about 2 years ago. Yes there isn't as much heroin around as the "good" old days when you could get a cap for 25 bucks on every corner, but it is nowhere near as scarce now as it was 2-3 years ago. The Taliban is back and so is their gear.

But even if they are right, what are they saying? "Supply reduction has worked but demand reduction has failed, badly. People still want drugs. And even tho harm reduction is being proved, again, to actually have a beneficial effect, we must stop it. Just look at the proud example of the USA to see how zero tolerance works! And if you don't drink our kool-aid and agree that black = white we will extort you by illegally tampering with trade deals."

Nice one. More faith-based initiatives with no connection to the real world. Europe is simply laughing or ignoring this type of bullshit. Alas, we are part of the Coalition of the Intimidated and have to play along.

Fuck em.

 

[TranceNation]

The Age makes this so called claim that Heroin users are now resorting to party drugs? What a crock of shit, I had distant cousins that were heavy users of H, and when there was an availability issue often things like Glue or paint thinners were in-haled. This didnt happen often but it did happen.

 

[sourlemone]

"Holy shit dude, there's no more heroin left on the streets!"

"Fuck man, I'm convulsing and sweating and shitting my pants and a baby is screaming and crawling across the ceiling towards me, what the fuck am I gonna do?"

"Dude, screw withdrawals, that's totally passe! We'll just party!"

 

[JoeBloggs]

haha that scene where the baby was crawling across the ceiling was outstanding

 

[Norules]

Heroin abuse is at its lowest in five years, mainly because it is difficult to source.

If it is so hard to find a difficult source for it, then why is it clearly oh so terribly abundant on the streets in places like Melbourne City and Sydney.

As a matter-a-fact, if you don't have a reliable "source" GHB can be harder to obtain than what Heroin would be.
How many "G" dealers would you see on the streets in broad daylight?

. . . not many GHB dealers in broad daylight cos they work under cover of darkness in a club near YOU . . . conversely, not many heroin dealers in a club because they peddle their trade on a street corner near you. . . hmm, not sure what my point is, I felt I had some really clinching argument then but alas, no, just a few sentences of rambling nonsense . . .

 

[killarava2day]

LOL! Erm... Most *informed* people would see this as a good thing! I know a couple of ex-junkies who got off smack thanks to MDMA.

My ex-boss got asked in his 3 piece suit... (and he looks as straight as a nail)

What does that tell you about their clientele? It's not just 'druggy' looking types that use heroin