Source: East Anglian Daily Times, UK

Pub Date: Monday, 9 September 2002

Pub LTE: What is the hidden agenda of new cannabis laws?

Contact: EADTletters@eadt.co.uk

WHAT IS THE HIDDEN AGENDA OF NEW CANNABIS LAWS?

Sir, - Cannabis users Beware - Cannabis possession (any amount) in private or public is still illegal - If cannabis is seized in your possession - You can STILL be arrested and face a sentence of up to five years in prison on the first offence.

However, if the new guidelines (Three strikes for possession EADT September 5) given to police for disposal for cannabis possession do come into effect next year. The following will probably happen.

The police will not (allegedly) seek out people with a joint in their pocket. But, if, in a stop and search, or, a sniffer dog indicates to it's handler you are in possession (have been in contact) with illicit drugs - if cannabis is seized (up to 3g) - you will not be arrested for a cannabis offence. Instead on first offence you will get a recorded ticking off.

Second time a recorded warning or possible summons to collect a caution at the police station. Third offence (in a 12 month period) you're out - summons to appear in court.

If you have an eighth (3.5g) you'll be nicked as a dealer - being in possession with intent to supply and face up to 14 years in jail.

If you use cannabis in inappropriate (aggravated circumstances) or challenge the police officers authority - you will be nicked for a public disorder offence and probably be cautioned or charged with possession of cannabis - I wonder who that's aimed at!

Thought for the day - if 89 per cent of "all drugs offences" are for cannabis possession. Statically 89 out of 100 people sniffed out by the ever increasing army of passive sniffer dogs on our streets, rail and tube stations, clubs and pubs - will be for cannabis.

Is there an ulterior motive here? - Are we to see an increase in police stop and search?

DON BARNARD,

Aetheric Road,

Braintree.