Swiss heroin handouts said to cut crime

A Swiss experiment with state-distributed heroin - a world first - has slashed crime, misery and death associated with the hard-core drug scene, authorities said. Presenting the findings of a pilot three-year study involving 1,100 addicts, health and police experts said the programme was a success, saved the taxpayer money, and should be continued. But the experts said state-provided heroin would not solve the evils of drug abuse and was no substitute for other therapies and withdrawal programmes. The Netherlands is planning its own programme with heroin distribution; Germany, Spain and Australia are also interested in the Swiss experience.

AP - Berne