FRANCE
The Ligue des droits de l'homme, Medicins du monde, and seven other associations have launched an appeal against the repression of drug users and for the depenalization of consumption. Act Up, the Union of Magistrates and the Greens also support the initiative.
(LIBERATION 03/06)
SPAIN
Anti-drug campaigns always show the effects of heroin and cocaine. But the major risk for youngsters is the use of apparently less harming substances as alcohol and synthetic drugs. For this reason the "Fundacion de Ayuda contra la Drogadiccion" has promoted a new campaign aiming even at a wider target and not only young people.
(EL PAIS 29/05)
ITALY
"The war against heroin, cocaine and chemical drugs is lost", Raymond Kendall said during the 3rd International Conference on Drugs in Genoa. Mr. Kendall, a British number top officer of Interpol has also said that Italy risks to become the privileged route for traffickers heading Europe.
(LA REPUBBLICA, LIBERATION 29/05)
SWITZERLAND
A recent research by the University of Geneva, shows that the controlled distribution of heroin improves health conditions of drug-addicts. The study also says that the dispensation reestablishes human relationships and diminishes the rates of criminality. The therapy has two problems: the prejudices of the operators and the high costs of the substance.
(EL PAIS 28/05)
THE NETHERLANDS
The police department of the region of Limburg will implement a new anti-drug experiment: a sweat test. Those who will result positive will not be fined, though.
(EL PAIS 28/05)
ITALY
Genoa - the Carabinieri and the special anti-mafia corps used to pay their collaborators with drugs. With the arrest of Michele Riccio, Colonel of the Caribinieri and former assistant of General Dalla Chiesa, the DIA's occifers (anti-mafia) are defeated. After successful operations Mr. Riccio and other officials used to substitute drugs with other powders, using the narcotic substances to pay the collaborators and other expenses.
(IL GIORNALE 08/06, LA REPUBBLICA 08-09/06)
ITALY
Cagliari - the local Criminal Court has acquitted a man caught by the Carabinieri while he was watering some cannabis plants. Cultivating cannabis is not a crime if marihuana or hashish are not derived from it; the law does not say anything about that.
(IL MESSAGGERO, LA REPUBBLICA 08-09/06)
COLOMBIA
The Senate, with the support of President Samper, has approved a bill that reintroduces extradition to the US for Colombian drug-dealers. Samper has proved his commitment to the war on drugs, a decision judged not sufficient by the White House. In fact, the US government has again decertified Colombia, claiming a retroactive clause to the bill.
(THE ECONOMIST 13/06)
BURMA
The military regime that seven years ago overthrew the victorious democratic opposition - establishing a wild free market oriented dictatorship - is far from being better than the previous regime. The militaries are enriching themselves with the drug trafficking, while the majority of the population lives in poverty.
(LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR 11/06)
INDIA
Goa - The local police has intensified the fight against narcotourism. The law sets a minimum of 10 years for small quantities of hashish. This decision wants to dissuade youngsters to imitate western tourists, but, probably, make money out of the tourists themselves.
(THE TIMES 05/06)
US
Methadone works. Medical literature does not list a single case in which it has failed in eliminating heroin addiction. Although many remain skeptical about it, its safeness has also been documented.
(INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE 05/06)
THE NETHERLANDS
The Hague - the biennial summit between the USA and the European Union has seen the participation of President Clinton, Dutch Prime Minister Mr. Kok and the President of the European Commission Mr. Santer. Two agreements on drugs were signed: the first to exchange information on the substances used for synthetic drugs, the second for the coordination of customs in the Caribbean.
(LE MONDE 30/05)
SWITZERLAND
The contested tests on the composition of XTC, requested by some private association, are legitimate. The decision was taken by a legal expertise of the Ministry of Health. The drug-addicts support services can perform these tests, but only after having made clear that the persons are drugs-addicts and not dealers.
(NEUE ZUERCHER ZEITUNG 03/06)
SWITZERLAND
Despite several incursions of the police in six shops in Zurich, where cannabis aromatized pillows are sold, sales are still going up. But an atmosphere of tension is now perceivable. The supporters of the legalization of cannabis are confident that time will be the best cure.
(NEUE ZUERCHER ZEITUNG 04/06)
GERMANY
Cocaine price is going down. The number of consumers is going up. Freebase, the homemade version of crack, is invading the market and has become the drug of the managers. Berlin has established its first therapeutic center for cocaine-addicts.
(DER SPIEGEL 09/06)
ITALY
The Committee on Justice has stated its favorable views on depenalization for minor crimes proposed by a Green Deputy.
This proposal (that will be voted by the Parliament) plans the depenalization for cultivation and trade for non lucrative use of soft drugs.
(CORRIERE DELLA SERA, IL GIORNALE, LA REPUBBLICA 11/06)
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