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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police predict rise in cannabis dealing
Lucy Adams, Home Affairs Correspondent The Herald, Glasgow
Thursday 29 Jan 2004 AN official police document forwarded to all the Scottish forces warns that today's declassification of cannabis is likely to lead to a significant increase in drug dealing. In line with plans by David Blunkett, the home secretary, to declassify cannabis from a class B to class C drug, officers from the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) have produced a report warning of the predicted effects and how to deal with them. The document, part of a regular assessment of intelligence on criminal trends, advises officers of growing exposure to cannabis dealing because of increasing public demand. Officers believe the increase in cannabis dealing also will influence a rise in the trafficking and seizure of class A drugs. There is concern that the wording of the legislation makes it more difficult to close cannabis cafes where the drug is eaten rather than smoked. One senior officer warned that forces are preparing for an increase in cannabis dealing because of the legislation. "The report warns that the reclassification could lead to an increase in demand from people who think it is more socially acceptable and that this will encourage dealers of cannabis and other drugs to enlarge their network," he said. "It warns that more individuals are expected to capitalise on drug dealing, including those involved in organised crime and those not before involved in dealing. "North of the border, the view is that the legislation is going to cause real problems and that, to the public mind, Blunkett has given a wink and a nod to those who think it is socially acceptable. Our message is that the police will not ignore it or turn a blind eye. We will target cannabis dealers." Because the legislation covering drugs offences is different north and south of the border, forces in Scotland say they will not and cannot change their current policy, which is to report cannabis possession to the procurators-fiscal. Despite the official position, individual officers say they occasionally throw a single "joint" into the gutter or down the toilet if that is the first time the person has been caught. However, the most recent statement from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos), asserts that all those caught with cannabis will still be reported to the procurators-fiscal. They said: "While the most damaging class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, will continue to be the focus of police enforcement activity, it must be acknowledged that, despite its reclassification, cannabis remains a controlled drug. It is therefore important to emphasise that possession of cannabis remains an arrestable offence."
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