In the face of a growing number of deaths and cases of HIV linked to drug abuse, the Portuguese government in 2001 tried a new tack to get a handle on the problem—it decriminalized the use and possession of heroin, cocaine, marijuana, LSD and other illicit street drugs. The theory: focusing on treatment and prevention instead of jailing users would decrease the number of deaths and infections.
This paper reviews the research literature of relevance to Canada on the impact of law enforcement practices on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for people who use illegal drugs.
In the Netherlands Antilles, an estimated 75 percent of crime is drug-related. Confronted with large numbers of people attempting to smuggle drugs by commercial flights, authorities implemented a “100% Control” policy of screening large numbers of passengers for drugs. The programme has been very successful in reducing cocaine smuggling via air courier.
According to qualitative research based in the European Union (EMCDDA - QED) there is little evidence of crime consequences from the vast recreational drugs scene across Europe.
This paper calls for the development and rapid scaling up of comprehensive harm reduction programmes in prisons. As part of these programmes, prison systems should provide HIV care equivalent to that available in the community, including anti-retroviral treatment.
This collaborative report critically analyses the performance of the International Narcotics Control Board in terms of its reaction over time to the growing incidence of HIV transmission through injecting drug use.
This is the executive summary of a report prepared for the launch of the Commission, that reviews progress against the objectives of the UK Government's 10 year national drug strategy.
The Beckley Foundation organised its third annual international seminar on drug policy in the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, on 4 December 2006.