FED: Beazley says government unwise to could take over drugs

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-1999
FED: Beazley says government unwise to could take over drugs

Federal Opposition leader KIM BEAZLEY wants the Commonwealth government to approach
the heroin problem by starting with the fundamental principles.

He says that would involve dealing with those who profit from sale of drugs and backing
initiatives to keep people alive.

Mr BEAZLEY says the government should change legislation to allow the civil standard
of proof for the seizure of drug dealer assets to hit those who profit from drugs deals.

He says that would be a major deterrent, and could also supply resources for the rehabilitation
process and police forces.

Currently assets can only be seized once prosecutor prove beyond reasonable doubt that
they were illegally acquired.

Mr BEAZLEY says people have to be kept alive -- and a whole range of things can be
done about this, including safe injecting rooms.

AAP RTV mb/wz/rt

KEYWORD: HEROIN BEAZLEY (CANBERRA)

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