Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jan 2005
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.press.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/349
Author: Jim Wilson

FAILED DRUG WAR

Sad to see health officials looking at regulating the sale of nitrous 
oxide.  I can understand the police wanting to do so - they wish to remain 
in a  job. But health officials are meant to be keen on health.

We've had 35 years now of a very intense drug war and the net result has 
been an increased demand for drugs.  Many, many, many casualties along the 
way. People who knew nothing about the other side of the law now know the 
truth.

As we run this drug war, more professional operations slip into place as 
suppliers because of the enormous flow of money involved.  None of it 
taxed. What happens when you try to stop one drug is you get 
another.  Always worse.  Witness P.

We've really got to give up this business of protecting people against 
themselves.  It doesn't work.  I keep thinking the penny will drop - but 
apparently not.

Jim Wilson

Takaka
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