We're Losing Drugs War, Police Admit.

Australia's police chiefs have endorsed a milestone report which concedes that police are having almost no impact on the trade in illegal drugs and in many cases are making the situation worse.

The 160-page report, compiled by the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, looks at decriminalisation and more police tolerance of drug use. It also warns that "policing cannabis may be pushing cannabis users towards harder drugs".

The Australian Illicit Drug Report gives a comprehensive overview of the drug scene, noting the cost of abuse is estimated at $1.6 billion.

Meanwhile, the price of most drugs has remained stable or fallen and supplies have been steady or grown -- strong indications of the ineffectiveness of police activity.

The ABCI's board comprises all of Australia's police chiefs and is chaired by the Victorian Police Commissioner, Mr Neil Comrie.

In a foreword, Mr Comrie says the ABCI "is in the best position to provide comprehensive information [on] illegal drugs", and that the report is "the main vehicle for law enforcement reporting on the effectiveness of strategies being used to combat illegal drugs".

But the report repeatedly questions the effectiveness of those strategies, particularly in relation to cannabis, heroin and amphetamines. It notes that police face a constant dilemma in dealing with drugs, especially at street level. "On one hand, there is the public expectation that they will uphold the law and proceed against drug offenders; on the other hand, it is widely recognised that street-level policing can actually lead to harm to both drug users and society."

Police are questioning the effectiveness of traditional methods. For instance, Operation Noah -- which encourages people to anonymously call police with information about drug users and dealers -- has been hailed a success since it began in 1982. But, according to the ABCI report, "several police services have recently decided not to participate", in the wake of criticism that it is counter-productive.

Likewise, the traditional police strategy of trying to reduce drug supplies by targeting dealers has been criticised. And, according to the report, it appears to have been singularly ineffective.

Time and again, the report found, policing has had little effect on drug supplies or prices -- in part because demand is constant or growing.

Cannabis
"There is little evidence of any reduction in the availability of cannabis as a result of law enforcement actions."
"Targeting of cannabis production [during one period in Western Australia] had an effect on the supply of cannabis, but not the use." "The availability of herbal cannabis was high during 1996-97."

Heroin
"Heroin remains generally available in Australia and anecdotal evidence suggests that law enforcement efforts are having only a limited effect on the amount of heroin offered at street level." "Few shortages were reported anywhere and law enforcement activity did not appear to affect prices on the street."

Amphetamines
"Amphetamines appear to be at least as available now as they were five years ago, despite tighter legislation and increased law enforcement efforts... Perceptions are that amphetamine use and availability have been increasing." "Domestic seizures appear to have had little impact on the availability of amphetamines."

Cocaine
"The availability of cocaine is reported to have risen in Victoria and South Australia, and in areas such as the Gold Coast and Sydney's Kings Cross."