Pubdate: Fri, 31 Dec 1999
Source: Evening News (UK)
Copyright: Eastern Counties Newspapers Group Ltd,2000
Contact:  http://www.norfolk-now.co.uk/
Author: Paul Livingstone
Ref: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99.n1371.a03.html

DRUG ADDICTION IS A MEDICAL MATTER

The story (Evening News, December 18) about drop-in centre manager
Ruth Wyner being imprisoned for allowing the centre to be used by drug
addicts, illustrates the irrational nature of the current drug laws.

Many homeless people have drug and addiction related
problems.

This case has created a precedent in that now if homeless drug users
attend a drop-in centre for homeless people and take any drug supply
with them, then the centre manager is obliged to have them arrested
and charged with possession.

They will then be sent to prison where it is widely known that all
kinds of drugs are freely available.

If the p[olice carried out a similar kind of operation in any number
of prisons in the United Kingdom, that is with hidden cameras and
undercover officers masquerading as the homeless, no doubt they could
supply evidence against the prison governor that he is turning a blind
eye to drug dealing going on in the prison.

Surely it is time to return to the policy of the 1960's, when drug
addiction was dealt with as a medical matter rather than a criminal
matter.

Paul Livingstone,
Peacock Street,
Norwich
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MAP posted-by: Derek Rea