LISBON - The Portuguese parliament yesterday decriminalized the
use of illegal drugs such as cannabis and heroin and viewed drug
users as people in need of medical help.

Until now, drug users and those caught in possession of small
amounts of banned drugs for personal use could be sentenced up to
one year in jail.

With the move, Portugal became the third member of the European
Union - after Spain and Italy - to decriminalize the consumption
and possession of small quantities of drugs.

"The idea is to get away from punishment toward treatment," said
Carlos Borges, spokesman for the Presidency Ministry which is
responsible for drug policy.

Under the new law, police will report drug-takers to special
commissions to be set up by local authorities which will be
responsible for ensuring the addicts seek treatment.