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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police determined to stamp out cannabis
Isle of Man Online
Monday 22 Jul 2002 CHIEF Constable Mike Culverhouse says police will continue to 'robustly uphold the law' where cannabis is concerned. He says he's 'strongly opposed' to the Labour Government's decision to go soft on cannabis users. His comments could put the Manx force out on a limb after the controversial decision to re-classify the drug from class B to class C. Possession of the drug will no longer be an arrestable offence in a change that applies automatically in the Island. Under new UK laws, the maximum sentence for possession of the drug will also be reduced from five years to two. Amid concern the move may encourage drug-taking, maximum sentences for supplying class-C drugs are to be increased from five years to 14. But Home Affairs Minister Phil Braidwood has revealed his department will be investigating ways of retaining the power of arrest. 'This is one reason why I am strongly opposed to such a move,' said Mr Culverhouse, a former head of the Merseyside Constabulary drug squad. 'Losing the power of arrest is likely to give the impression that the possession of cannabis is a minor offence, which it is not. 'It also deprives us of a number of operational benefits such as a power to search under the Police Powers and Procedures Act. 'I am also of the opinion that the gateway effect of cannabis use should not be ignored. 'The apparent mixed message being generated by this proposal causes me some concern. There is a possibility that some people, especially young people, see this proposal as something it is not. 'If cannabis is re-classified it will still be illegal to possess it and we will continue to robustly uphold the law.' His comments came after Mr Braidwood voiced caution over the UK Government's decision to re-classify the drug, saying he wanted the power of arrest to be maintained here. There's been confusion among UK police forces as to how they will treat cannabis users from now on. Any attempt by Mr Braidwood to retain the power of arrest would involve a change of primary legislation which prove a lengthy process. But following Mr Culverhouse's comments, Mr Braidwood said the department was set to start gathering information on the subject through the Attorney General's chambers. 'We are investigating,' he said. Cannabis seizures fell slightly in 2001, from 14,292 grammes to 13,422. But there had been a sharp rise in seizures in 2000. The drug currently changes hands for £5.64 a gramme Mr Culverhouse said the drug squad had made major seizures in the last few weeks including heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis with a street value of more than £220,000. Between April last year and this year, he said, the force seized drugs to the value of £121,464.15, including class-A drugs worth more than £35,500. Heroin seizures for the year were the highest ever. Mr Culverhouse said: 'I made a pledge to the people of the Isle of Man when I arrived here to openly wage war on drug dealers. 'Three years on I think it only right to emphasise that my resolve now is as strong as it ever was.' He warned those considering importing controlled drugs into the Island to be aware of his intentions and encouraged anyone with information which may help in the fight against drugs to tip off police.
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