CWNews

Canberra To Ban Drug Gear


THE sale of drug paraphernalia, including bongs, ice pipes and cocaine kits could be made illegal in the ACT. A Bill to ban the products will be debated in the Legislative Assembly this week. The Bill was introduced by Canberra Party MLA Richard Mulcahy who said he was fairly optimistic it would be passed.

''The Bill has come from the South Australian model, which was supported by both the Labor and Liberal parties,'' Mr Mulcahy said.

Mr Mulcahy said the prevailing view in the community was that the sale of the products should be illegal.

''At the end of the day if we don't bring in measures of this nature than all they're doing is encouraging the use of illegal substances and sending the wrong message to children,'' he said.

''Most people don't want to see these products displayed in Canberra shops.

Boomerang Tobacconist and Kiosk owner John Grunberg said he doesn't mind if the sale of drug paraphernalia is banned, even though it would effect his business.

''I'm not fussed either way. We sell paraphernalia and do very good business out of it,'' he said.

''It will effect our business a little bit for a while but we should be able to make up for it from our sales of   cigars and cigarettes.'' Mr Grunberg said he didn't believe banning the use of the paraphernalia would have a real effect on drug use.

''It will just go back underground and there will be no control,'' he said.

''Instead of buying a nice bong, people will just go back to making home made ones.'' He also questioned whether or not the legislation would include a ban on the sale of 'hookah,' a Middle Eastern pipe used for   smoking flavoured   tobacco. ''We have a bit of a clientele for these,'' he said. ''These are legitimate pipes.'' Mr Mulcahy said the legislation would include a ban on these types of pipes. Under the proposed legislation a person found selling drug equipment could face a fine of up to $10,000, two years imprisonment, or both.