Big results in war on drugs - claim police

Whilst I guess the people and the police deserve credit for taking dirty uncontrolled drugs and the criminal suppliers of the streets, I have to ask WHAT has this achieved in the long term?

I have read many reports similar to this, that police have taken considerable amounts of drugs off the streets, but it just does not seem to have any long-term benefits.

It's like there is an endless supply of these substances and an endless queue of people willing to step in and replace the dealers - the profits must be well worth the risk in their eyes. NO, we need to take afresh look at the drugs policy in this country - and remove it from the hands of unscrupulous suppliers who care little about quality and risk and a lot about their untaxable profits.

The present policy of leaving the production and supply in the hands of people like these dealers, we are exposing our people and their CHILDREN to them.

At least with alcohol and tobacco, there is a lower age limit - or the streets there's just a lower cash limit . The Government must introduce some system to get round this: the restrictions should depend upon the relative risk of the drugs including nicotine and tobacco - a good starting point.

According to a report from the American Medical Association that compared risk of addiction and toxic overdose, they put the drugs in this order - worst risk at the top tobacco, heroin cocaine, alcohol Caffeine, amphetamine cannabis E LSD Cannabis is third up, apparently, because although it is not addictive in itself and it is impossible to consume enough to kill, people find it hard to stop because they find it so medicinally beneficial and pleasant, often used on a daily basis.

So a system similar to Dutch Coffeeshops would be suggested for cannabis;
- something like adult shops for E and LSD
- sold from chemists for caffeine and "speed"
- sold from licenses premises for cocaine, like alcohol
- prescription only for heroin and nicotine

Of course it will need to be looked into properly, by scientists, and the Government will need to heed their advice

Big results in war on drugs:  Northants Eveing Telegrapg, January 14 2012

A TOWN’S ongoing war on drugs saw more than £12,000 of cocaine and cannabis seized last year.
Corby police officers carried out 53 search warrants in the borough in 2011, snaring £3,430 worth of cannabis, £9,150 worth of cocaine and 832 cannabis plants.
And they have praised the role of the public, who have tipped them off about suspicious behaviour on a number of occasions.
Officers also arrested 23 people for drug supplying and other connected offences.
And as a result of the warrants, officers also retrieved two stolen cars, one stolen motorbike and a stolen 37 inch television.
The statistics do not include a large consignment of Class A drugs seized from a light aircraft at Deenethorpe Airfield in July as this falls in the East Northamptonshire district.
Corby police commander Insp Gary Williams said: “This is really about highlighting the excellent proactivity of our Safer Community Team in Corby in tackling drugs in the community.
“The vast majority of warrants executed have come as a direct result of confidential information received from members of the community, and as a result of working with the wardens and caretakers, who are the eyes and ears of the community.”
Insp Williams said the results reinforced the police’s message on drugs.
He said: “I have said before that we are totally committed to tackling drugs in our community and we will always treat information in the strictest confidence and discretion and where possible, act on it as soon as possible.
“This is further improving confidence the community has in the police in Corby.”
Properties in Wick Close, Eastbrook, Gainsborough Road, Blenheim Walk, Greenhill Rise, Netherfield Grove, Hogarth Walk and Holbein Walk were among those targeted in drugs raids in 2011.