Pubdate: Thu, 22 Mar 2002
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Telegraph Group Limited
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114
Author: Philip Johnston
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DRUG SEIZURES RISE SHARPLY IN LIBERAL BRIXTON

A LIBERAL approach to cannabis use pioneered by the controversial police 
commander Brian Paddick has coincided with a 35 per cent rise in the number 
of confiscations of the drug in Brixton, south London.

Police also recorded an 11 per cent increase in drug trafficking offences, 
adding to the concern of critics, including some officers, that the 
experiment is attracting dealers to the Lambeth borough.

Under the scheme, those found with cannabis are cautioned and the drug 
confiscated. The intention is to concentrate resources on trafficking and 
the misuse of hard drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine.

A similar approach will be adopted across the country once the Government 
reclassifies cannabis from a Class B to Class C substance this year, making 
possession a non-arrestable offence. The drug will remain illegal.

David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, said he was waiting for several 
reports, including the results of the Lambeth experiment, before ordering 
the reclassification. The findings are mixed and Sir John Stevens, the 
Metropolitan Police commissioner, said the scheme would not be extended 
across London until further work was done.

Supporters of the scheme said it released police officers to detect more 
serious offences. By not arresting people for possession of cannabis, the 
police had saved 1,350 hours in six months - the equivalent of about two 
extra officers. But the big rise in confiscations suggests either that 
there are more drugs on the streets or people are more open about smoking 
cannabis, believing it to be legal.

Mike Fuller, the deputy assistant commissioner, said: "The public are very 
unclear about what is happening and think drugs are being legalised and 
that is not the case. Officers are still seizing the cannabis.

"Communication is going to be a key issue in any new scheme which arises 
from the pilot."

An opinion poll in Lambeth suggests that most people want the scheme to 
continue. A Mori survey said it had the support of more than 80 per cent of 
residents. Only eight per cent disapproved.

A larger percentage of white residents (41 per cent) than black (28) or 
Asian (25) supported the scheme. Cdr Paddick, 43, has been transferred 
after allegations about his private life.
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MAP posted-by: Beth