Pubdate: Tue, 21 May 2002
Source: Guardian, The (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Guardian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/175
Author: Patrick Wintour

ANTI-DRUG SHOCK TACTICS

A new move to halt the main crack cocaine route into Britain and a decision 
to show shock anti-drugs videos to schoolchildren as young as 10 will form 
the government's initial response to this week's home affairs select 
committee report demanding a rethink in government drugs policy.

Ministers are worried that the long-awaited report will damage the 
government by revealing its drugs policy has been characterised by 
incompetence, unachievable targets and mixed messages.

The government's response is designed to demonstrate that it retains the 
initiative on drugs.

The measures are also likely to offset the impact of other more liberal 
medium-term steps likely to be taken by the government including the 
downgrading of cannabis possession.

Paul Boateng, the customs minister, plans to sign an agreement tomorrow 
with the Jamaican government designed to block drug mules flooding the 
British market with crack cocaine.

It is estimated that half the crack cocaine in Britain is smuggled from 
Jamaica. Mr Boateng will also announce plans to train Jamaican police and 
provide equipment to catch drug smugglers flying to Britain from Kingston 
and Montego Bay.

Drug swallowing, often by teenage girls, has become one of the most used 
methods of smuggling cocaine into Britain. In January, Phil Sinkinson, 
deputy high commissioner in Jamaica, claimed that one in 10 passengers 
flying from Jamaica to Britain was a drug mule.

As much as 30kg (66lb) of cocaine was being smuggled on every flight from 
Jamaica, he said. Passengers were carrying the drugs in plastic bags, or 
condoms, which they had swallowed.

The flow of visitors from the Caribbean to Britain has nearly tripled in 
the past 10 years as air fares have dropped. Last year, according to the 
Office of National Statistics, more than 1.7m journeys were made between 
Britain and the Caribbean.

A customs official said it would make more sense to stop the trade before 
passengers boarded planes. Such a move would stop mules ending up in 
British prisons, and act as a deterrent.

The separate plan to show anti-drugs videos in schools will be unveiled 
today by the education secretary, Estelle Morris.

Her department is to make available to every school a copy of the 22-minute 
video made by Mick and Pauline Holcroft, whose daughter Rachel Whitear died 
recently from heroin abuse. The video should be shown to children as young 
10 or 11, she will recommend.

Ms Morris will also send out new guidance on school exclusions, 
recommending that any child selling drugs in or near a school should be 
permanently expelled. Appeal bodies should never reinstate a drug pusher, 
she will say, insisting head teachers' decisions in such cases must never 
be undermined. The move is line with revised guidance prepared by the 
education department in January.

Ofsted, the school inspectors, will be asked to inspect school drug 
education policies as a matter of course, she will say.

 From September, all trainee teachers will be given detailed training in 
drug education.

By 2003, all state secondary schools will also be required to have an 
anti-drugs strategy in place, with ?14.5m in funding already promised for 
this year, rising to ?17.5m next year.

As part of the drive, Mr and Mrs Holcroft will meet education ministers 
today prior to a drugs education summit. Ms Morris will argue: "Drugs have 
no place in schools. Parents rightly want tough action against anyone 
dealing with children and young people."

Ivan Lewis, youth minister will argue: "We cannot expect children and young 
people to make the right choice if the information is not backed up with a 
strong message. It should not be value-free or put over in a moral vacuum".

Vivienne Evans, head of education and prevention at the drugs charity 
DrugScope, reponded warily last night.

"If by a 'hard-hitting' approach the government means using the Rachel 
Whitear video as part of a rounded package of factual drug education, it 
will be a welcome addition to what is already a realistic programme," she said.

"If, however, they intend to turn the clock back to an outdated 'Just say 
no' approach, based on fear and shock tactics, this would be a potentially 
dangerous development."
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