Pubdate: Thu, 02 Mar 2006
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Cheryl Wierda
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?233 (LEAP)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

TACKLING WAR ON DRUGS FROM ALL SIDES

Is The War On Drugs A Worthwhile Effort, Or Has It Been A Failure?

The contentious issue was debated in a packed lecture hall at the 
University College of the Fraser Valley, with Norm Stamper, a 
well-known advocate for ending the war; UCFV research chair Darryl 
Plecas; Abbotsford Police Chief Ian Mackenzie; and Correctional 
Service of Canada psychiatrist Ian Postnikoff facing off against each other.

Stamper, a former police chief, says he opposes the war on drugs for 
three reasons -- morality, ethics and efficacy.

"What I chose to put into my body, it seems to be my right," he said.

He argued that instead of prosecution, efforts should be put into 
treatment and education.

"The drug war . . . . is not working," he said. "I'm convinced the 
drug war . . . is causing more harm that good."

However, Plecas was unsure that the war on drugs is actually being 
lost. He pointed to lowering crime rate in the United States and 
notes that Sweden, which has cracked down on drugs, also has a low crime rate.

"I'm not entirely sure this entire debate . . . should end soon," said Plecas.

While the four pillar approach hasn't "been erected to any 
significant degree," he argues that we shouldn't jump to 
decriminalization of marijuana now.

"That should be based on an evidence-based approach," he said.

Police chief Ian Mackenzie also said the debate is an important one, 
and that there not a right or wrong view.

He notes that the ingestion of drugs does impact on public safety, 
and said criminal law is an appropriate tool for dealing with the 
drug issue, but should be a "last resort."

He said the Canadian chiefs of police support some non-criminal 
sanctions, and also said there must be treatment, prevention and harm 
reduction.

Postnikoff argued substances should not be outlawed because some 
people are using them irresponsibly.

He points to the issue of some individuals inhaling gasoline. "Should 
we outlaw gas because people are using it irresponsibly?" he asked. 
"I would argue we should not."

He also advocated regulation of the drug industry, saying that during 
alcohol prohibition, there were many, many deaths because of 
ingestion of impure alcohol.

"The quality control of the whole alcohol industry left the 
government," he said.

However, Mackenzie said there is an "ethical" concern if the 
government becomes involved in providing drugs.

Stamper argued for regulations and controls, adding that full 
legalization and a free market system is an "inexcusable position."

Also discussed Tuesday was the notion that crime would disappear if 
prohibition was abolished and whether drugs cause crime or 
prohibition causes crime.

The debate was one of a number of appearances by Stamper in 
Abbotsford this week.

He will be at Cole's Bookstore today at 2 p.m. to sign his book, 
"Breaking Rank."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom