Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jul 2001
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2001 Star Tribune
Contact:  http://www.startribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/266
Author: LA Times

SOUTH LONDON TO LET POT-SMOKERS ALONE

LONDON -- Marijuana is illegal in Britain, but police in south London have 
decided to stop pursuing pot smokers and instead focus their resources on 
combating hard drugs and violent crimes.

In a six-month test that began recently, police in the London borough of 
Lambeth are issuing warnings to people caught with small amounts of 
cannabis. They're confiscating the drug, but are not prosecuting.

The new policy, initiated by the Lambeth Division and approved by the 
central Metropolitan Police office, amounts to a de facto decriminalization 
of marijuana in one part of the capital and has sparked a national debate 
about Britain's drug laws.
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MAP posted-by: Beth