Pubdate: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 Source: Daily Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 2014 Telegraph Media Group Limited Contact: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114 Author: George K McMillan BRITAIN NEEDS TOUGHER DRUGS LAWS SIR The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, claims that our "tough" drugs control policy is failing and advocates a "smarter" approach, abolishing prison sentences for drug addicts and concentrating on treatment. These and other policies dealing with offenders are not working as well as they should because of the dithering of our political leaders with regards to punishment, treatment and rehabilitation. Drug addicts and abusers should not be left out in society to fend for themselves. Some kind of custodial remedy must apply, whether it be in prison or a secure hospital. If they go back to drugs when they are released, they should be returned to custody. Far more resources should be devoted to stamping out drug trafficking, with dealers and importers facing severe sentences. The present "tough" policy is a misnomer. We need to be much, much tougher on dealers and users if we are to banish the drug trade once and for all. George K McMillan Perth - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom