The effect of a reduction in heroin supply in Australia upon drug distribution and acquisitive crime

Abstract

In early 2001, Australia experienced a sudden, significant reduction in the availability of heroin, following a number of years of unprecedented availability of high-grade heroin. This study examines changes in the scale, method, structure and visibility of heroin and other drug distribution in New South Wales (NSW), and in the incidence of possession and use of heroin and other drugs associated with this reduction in heroin availability. Police incident data on possession/use of illicit drugs and on incidents of acquisitive crime were analysed using time-series analysis. Key informants (n= 71) from NSW law enforcement and health agencies and heroin users (n=53) were interviewed regarding ch..