Pubdate: Mon, 25 Aug 2008
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Frances Farness-Petit

DRUG INJECTION FACILITIES INDIRECTLY AID CRIMINAL ACTS

I recently read a column by Barbara Jaffe, who fervently supports
Vancouver's safe injection site (Insite) program for drug addicts.

She extols the benefits of this program in preventing disease and
infections and saving lives, but one sentence in her article stood
out: "The clinics don't supply drugs."

How do the addicts obtain the drugs they use at the safe injection
sites? Do they get prescriptions from doctors and buy them legally? Is
it even possible to buy these drugs legally?

It seems more likely that the safe injection sites are unwittingly
aiding and abetting drug dealers in their nefarious activities. By
using taxpayers' dollars to support addictions, aren't we encouraging
criminal behaviour by addicts?

These are questions that need answering.

Frances Farness-Petit

Saskatoon
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