The author states that the studies have used inflated figures based on generalizations about the amount of heroin that a typical addicted individual would use, and the cost of the heroin habit. Studies of the heroin use of Australian thieves indicate higher levels of heroin use and a higher number of crimes committed than thieves who do not use drugs. When the level and degree of drug consumption for the nation is based on figures derived from the patterns of thieves who use heroin, misleading conclusions result. The study argues that Australian anti-drug legislation and law enforcement is based on exaggerated figures and have compromised civil liberties. 77 footnotes.