NSW: Tougher penalties for drug supply may boost interest

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2003
NSW: Tougher penalties for drug supply may boost interest

An expert on drug issues says creating tougher penalties for illicit use of ketamine
may actually increase the popularity of the drug.

PAUL DILLON of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre says a previous crackdown
on another illicit drug, GHB, was followed by an amazing increase in interest in that
drug.

Mr DILLON was commenting on New South Wales government moves to toughen penalties for
making, supplying or using ketamine, also known as Special K, Cat Valium or Bump.

Special Minister of State JOHN DELLA BOSCA says the tougher penalties are being introduced
after an increase in black market trading of ketamine.

From this week ketamine -- which is a short-acting anaesthetic used mainly in horses
-- will be added to drugs listed as prohibited under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act
1985.

AAP RTV cat/cdh/bwl/rca

KEYWORD: KETAMINE (SYDNEY)

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