SOUTH Yorkshire Police’s Chief Constable has spoken out against the prospect of laws around illegal drugs being relaxed – saying issues surrounding so-called ‘legal highs’ have already demonstrated the problems such a move would cause. The Chief Constable, David Crompton, set out his thoughts on the issue in a letter to The Star after the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, called for a rethink on the Government’s policy on drugs.
He said ‘legal highs’ – plant food chemicals which mimic amphetamines and cocaine – had given police ‘plenty of experience’ of drugs on the streets. “They are often the drug of choice for young people – and misuse results in greater crime and disorder for the police to deal with, not less,” said Chf Con Crompton. “These substances can cause fits and stomach ulcers and they are supplied via criminal gangs who have seen a money-making opportunity and are exploiting it.”
He continued: “I am also well aware that the public attitude towards cannabis has changed. “Society is more tolerant of its use than before. Nevertheless, modern-day cannabis is up to three times stronger than varieties available 10 to 15 years ago and there is a proven link to psychiatric disorder among users, many of whom tend to be young. “Furthermore, the link between organised crime and cannabis cultivation is a strong one.”
Chf Con Crompton said he didn’t think alcohol’s widespread availability should be used as an excuse to relax drug laws.
“I often hear it said that alcohol is both legal and commonly available, therefore logically this makes out the case for legalising certain other drugs. “Frankly, my officers don’t see any evidence whatsoever that the damage done to society by alcohol is decreasing. I suspect colleagues in the NHS would also agree. “So why risk making these problems worse by removing the deterrent for misusing drugs?”
He added: “Decriminalisation of drugs gets debated every few years and we are now urged to consider adopting Portugal’s policy of decriminalisation. “Any decision about this rests firmly with politicians. Police officers are paid to enforce the law, not make it.”
Nick Clegg has committed the Liberal Democrats to promising a review of Britain’s drugs strategy in its 2015 election manifesto.
