I agree with your basic concept where punishments must be so severe that most people would think twice about committing an offense.
My understanding of many Asian justice systems is that they treat drug users as harshly as the sellers. Imaging, heavy jail time or execution for using hard drugs. And actually enforcing this type of justice nation wide and on TV.
Imagine, a meth dealer and a meth user side by side on gurneys getting the needle.
“My understanding of many Asian justice systems is that they treat drug users as harshly as the sellers.”
Nope.
Interesting, our founding fathers felt the opposite. Cruel and unusual punishments are forbidden under our constitution. However, there are deterrents no longer utilized that are quite effective — unpleasant but over quickly, and minimal cost to the taxpayer.