Pubdate: Mon, 30 Sep 2013
Source: Sunderland Echo (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Johnston Press Digital Publishing
Contact: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4121

SUPPORT FOR POLICE CHIEF WHO CALLED TO LEGALISE HARD DRUGS

A SENIOR officer has won praise for claiming hard drugs should be legalised.

Durham Police's Chief Constable Mike Barton said the war on narcotics 
had failed, and decriminalisation was the best way to bring down 
criminal gangs profiting from drugs.

Writing in The Observer, the national intelligence leader for the 
Association of Chief Police Officers also said addicts should be able 
to obtain class- A drugs such as heroin and cocaine through the NHS.

"Not all crime gangs raise income through selling drugs, but most of 
them do in my experience," said Mr Barton. "So offering an 
alternative route of supply to users cuts off the gang's income stream.

"Decriminalising their commodity will immediately cut off their 
income stream and destroy their power."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham Constabulary Ron Hogg backed 
the chief, saying: "I am delighted he has spoken out.

"He is a professional officer with 34 years' experience and he has 
seen the effects of the current policy. Clearly we will enforce the 
law in Durham as it stands, but people like Mike Barton have to stand 
up  and I applaud him for doing so."
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