Pubdate: Mon, 05 Nov 2001
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2001 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Stephen McIntyre

DRUG LAWS

Sir--Youth Trust chairman Jeff McIntyre is correct when he claims 
that cannabis prohibition is not working (October 18), but he is 
clearly mistaken if he thinks that the Swedish model of coercive care 
would work here.

Far from being "intelligent", Swedish drugs laws are repressive and 
not in keeping with protection of individual rights. Police have the 
power to stop anyone on the street and submit them to compulsory 
blood and urine tests. It has been documented that young people have 
been subjected to this for no more than laughing and smiling too much 
in a public place.

Furthermore, Mr McIntyre himself admits that the financial cost to 
the Government in maintaining such a system is extraordinarily high. 
Who in New Zealand is going to be prepared to pay higher taxes just 
to give the police even greater powers to intrude into our private 
lives?

STEPHEN McINTYRE media officer Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party
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