Pubdate: Thu, 3 Jan 2008
Source: Daily Post (UK)
Copyright: 2008 Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited
Contact:  http://www.dailypost.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4288
Author: Carl Butler, Daily Post
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Richard+Brunstrom
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

CLASH ON BRUNSTROM'S 'ECSTASY SAFER THAN ASPIRIN' CLAIM

CHIEF Constable Richard Brunstrom got the full backing of a member of 
the North Wales Police Authority yesterday as a fresh row broke out 
over his highly controversial views on drugs.

In a radio interview, Mr Brunstrom claimed Ecstasy was safer than 
aspirin, and predicted that all drugs would be legalised within 10 years.

He added: "If you look at the Government's own research into deaths, 
you'll find that Ecstasy, by comparison to many other substances - 
legal and illegal - is a comparatively safe substance."

Not for the first time, Mr Brunstrom's views have provoked national 
controversy and calls for his resignation or sacking.

But last night police authority member Terry Renshaw, also a senior 
Flintshire county councillor, said it was time to stop hurling 
insults and examine the facts.

"If Richard Brunstrom has said aspirin can be more dangerous than 
Ecstasy I believe he will have something to back it up," Mr Renshaw said.

"Both heroin and cocaine are less harmful than alcohol and tobacco 
according to figures from our own Prime Minister's office," said Mr Renshaw.

"I recently went out on a drugs raid with the police in the Holywell, 
Bagillt and Flint areas. Five people were arrested and a quantity of 
drugs taken.

"But there were 34 police officers involved in that raid and what 
will the outcome be, some fines?

"The fight against drugs is costing us millions and what are we 
achieving?" Mr Renshaw asked.

"But you cannot turn a blind eye to crime and the Chief Constable has 
instructed his officers to combat drugs.

"He is upholding the law, but we are losing the battle.

"People who criticise him need to read the two documents he has 
produced and presented to the Authority.

"A lot of the information in his last paper, at the end of 2007, 
contained information directly from the Prime Minister's office.

"The view the Authority took was, it's time we take a look at the 
re-classification of drugs and include alcohol and tobacco in that.

"Alcohol and tobacco are legal substances, but look at what they are 
costing the NHS.

"We have to have a full and informed debate on this issue. Unless we 
do we will continue to fudge it every time," Mr Renshaw added.

"I am a non-drinker and non-smoker and I'm not a chemist, I don't 
know what it is to take Ecstasy but we have to have a full debate to 
get a true evaluation."

As soon as Richard Brunstrom gave his views about legalising drugs, 
some people had called him the 'Mad Mullah of North Wales, added 
Councillor Renshaw.

The debate now had to get beyond personal insults, he said. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake