We face drugs blitz

Source: Letter, Evening Courier, Halifax, UK

Pub date: Saturday 14 October 2000

Author: P. White

WE FACE A DRUGS BLITZ

 ANN Widdecombe has, quite rightly, been slated for her draconian proposals to crack down on drugs. However, her proposed instant fine for first-time possession of even one joint of cannabis was arguably the least controversial of these measures.

Much more insidious is the proposed change of law that would make it a criminal offence to have drugs in the bloodstream.

This measure is not so much aimed at those who commit burglaries to fund their drug habits, ie, the heroin or crack cocaine addict, it is primarily aimed at the casual cannabis user.

Hard drugs such as heroin can only be traced in drug tests for a couple of days after use. Cannabis, on the other hand, can be detected up to 90 days after use, despite the fact that the effects only last an hour or two when cannabis is smoked.

Police will also be empowered to arrest anyone they suspect may test positive. Considering that 42% of 16-to-29-year-olds have used cannabis at some point, then virtually anyone could be considered as a suspect, be arrested and forced to urinate in a cup or forcibly give blood for the purpose of a drug test.

Is it really a law-and-order priority to arrest and give criminal records to people for the joint they smoked a month ago? Matthew Hopkin, the Witchfinder General of the dark ages, would have approved, I'm sure.

Another point to bear in mind is that the Tories will blur the distinction between a casual cannabis user and a drug dealer / trafficker. There will be a legal assumption that if you are caught with a certain amount of cannabis you are a dealer and will be punished accordingly - ie, prison - whether or not any sales can be proved.

I believe the limit will be set as low as 2 grams for personal possession, enough herbal cannabis for one or maybe two joints. I also believe that Labour's forthcoming Drugs Act will also contain this Orwellian provision.

A Mori poll last year showed that 48% of people in this country support the legalisation of cannabis.

P. White