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Letter: Current set-up is such a waste of time and money

Simon Beavis

Evening News, Norwich

Monday 22 Jul 1996

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A RECENT letter from the Home Office has revealed some surprisingly
illogical statistics and expenses.

Government expenditure to tackle drugs stands at over half a billion
pounds. And nearly £6 million is being given to support drug prevention
in schools plus £10.5 million for prisons.

Six million pounds is spent on health authority services and over £8.8
million over three years to support drug Action Teams.

This is in addition to police expenditure and court time, and the cost
of keeping drug offenders in prison.

The result is that of 86,961 people convicted of drug offences in 1994,
83 per cent were for cannabis (73,392).

Vast sums have been spent educating children and adults, chasing drug
users and treating drug addicts. Yet there are no plans to provide
specialised treatment for cannabis users.

The Department of Health's effectiveness review states: "... treatment
must be matched to the needs of the individual."

Does this mean that there is no need for treatment of cannabis users?

If so, why are such huge amounts spent on the ineffectual and
unjustifiable prohibition of cannabis? Catching and prosecuting cannabis
users and suppliers is a total waste of time and money.

Simon Beavis,
Lollards Road
Norwich

 

 

 

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