Pubdate: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 Source: Essex Evening Gazette Pubdate: Thursday August 17 2000 Website: http://www.thisisessex.co.uk)www.thisisessex.co.uk Contact: Don Barnard Note: Letters should not exceed 300 words and include: Full postal address (house numbers are not normally printed) and daytime phone number. DRUG CONTROLS ARE BACKFIRING ON POLICE I agree with Mr Bridge (Evening Gazette 3/8/2000) a general lack of understanding about drugs and a lack of education has attributed to more people seeking help with a drug problem. There is also another reason: increased spending on law enforcement (prohibition) has encouraged distributors to switch from delivering bulkier, detectable cannabis to cocaine. This has had the knock-on effect of encouraging users to switch from cannabis to addictive drugs like cocaine. which poses the serious detriment to public health highlighted by the article. The fact is while middle-aged, middle class chaps are asking around the golf course for viagra, a black market will supply them. How many black markets are the police expected to pursue Don Barnard Legalise Cannabis Alliance. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart