Current drug policies are repressive and firmly rooted in prejudices, fears and ideology. The way forward is clear: to safeguard human rights, security and health.... please join us in signing the declaration [Cardoso 201]
Cocaine adulterated with anti-helminthic agent levamisole
Levamisole is a veterinary anti-helminthic (worming) agent that was previously used in humans as an immunomodulating agent to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and nephrotic syndrome, but was withdrawn from the market due to the frequency and severity of side-effects. Since 2007 the worldwide supply of cocaine has increasingly been deliberately adulterated at the source of supply with levamisole to add bulk and weight, and possibly for enhanced effects. Levamisole has recently been detected at autopsy in NSW in people who died from cocaine overdose, and has been found in a high proportion (up to 80%) of seized cocaine in NSW.
AIVL, the national peak organisation for state and territory drug user organisations, has just published a new document: "Legislative and Policy Barriers to Needle & Syringe Programs and Injecting Equipment Access for People Who Inject Drugs" which provides a national overview of the legislative and policy barriers which currently restrict access to Needle & Syringe Programs (NSPs) and new injecting equipment for people who inject drugs.
