The comments drew criticism from BCHS, which defended the program as an effective way to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses, stopped needles from being discarded in public areas, connected addicted people with support services and saved money for the heathcare system.

Mr Ellis – who has served with Victoria Police Major Collision Investigation Unit and Highway Patrol – said he accepted that there were “medical issues” from sharing needles, but he did not support the BCHS program.

“Personally, I don’t think we should do it because... why are we helping them do something that’s illegal?” he said.

“I think we need to concentrate on dealers more than users.”

Mr Ellis said drug addiction was a law and order issue rather than a medical issue.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s law and order. We need to stop illicit drugs or legalise them,” he said.

“If we legalise them, heaven help us. Look at what’s happened overseas in a lot of places where it’s been legalised - they’re looking to go back because of issues with the people that are using

“A lot of people say it’s a medical issue. Show me the doctor that prescribes these drugs to somebody in the first place that gets them addicted.”

Mr Ellis said those that take legal drugs, such as morphine, “don’t get a high from it”.

BCHS has operated a needle-syringe exchange program since 1987 under both Labor and Coalition governments.

Outgoing chief executive officer Kim Sykes said the service did not “condone or provide illegal substances” and the program not only prevented the spread of viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among drug users, but it also stopped them from spreading in the community.

“We would support any program that improves health and wellbeing, reduces the risk of blood-borne disease and saves the community money on healthcare costs,” she said.

“Very often the first point of contact for people using drugs is the needle-syringe program, it allows for people who use drugs to connect with counsellors and withdrawal services.

“We have to work in the real world. Of course we would all hope for no substance abuse, legal or not, but we know it exists.

“We try to provide solutions to those real-world issues.”

A Health Department report from 2009 found that, between 2000 and 2009, needle-exchange programs had saved $1.28 billion in healthcare costs.

Ms Sykes said the misuse of legal substances, including alcohol, was an equally pressing issue.

A bad batch of heroin circulated in Bendigo last year, contributing to nine overdose deaths – the most in regional Victoria.

Police and BCHS combined to warn users of the issue at the time, with information provided as part of the needle-syringe exchange program.

Mr Ellis also claimed that BCHS “don’t serve the diabetics”, but the health service offers diabetes support programs.

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