Officers in Call to Legalise Use of Drugs

Edinburgh Evening News (UK) ^ | 14 Apr 2006

[Know your rights]

SCOTTISH police officers have sparked anger after calling for the legalisation of all drugs - including heroin and cocaine.

The Strathclyde Police Federation has called for a dramatic change of direction in the battle on drugs crime, and the issue will be debated later this month.

The body, which represents 7000 officers, is set to argue that all drugs should be licensed in the same way as cigarettes and alcohol. Officers claim this would cut drug deaths and divert police resources to other crime-fighting priorities. It is the first time that an organisation representing officers has made such a demand.

Opponents today said the move would only increase the availability of drugs. But the federation believes millions of pounds are wasted on enforcing existing laws, with little impact on the availability of drugs on the street.

Inspector Jim Duffy, chairman of the federation, said: "We are not winning the war against drugs and we need to think about different ways to tackle it."

The Scottish Executive said that drug legislation is reserved to Westminster.

[muawiyah]

You want something don't you.

[muawiyah]

We've all moved on to the Mary McCarthy story.

[Know your rights]

YOUR claim that the alcohol black market is "thriving" is dubious and unproven. (Free clue: "thriving" means considerably more than just "existing.")

Will you ever support your claim?

You want something don't you.

I want you to support your claim that the alcohol black market is "thriving."

[muawiyah]

Hey, I only have a few dozen cases of illegal hootch out in my shed at this time and it's all spoken for.

Please take a look at the illegal alcohol busts reported by the FBI and ATF.

There's been no big reduction.

[Know your rights]

I want you to support your claim that the alcohol black market is "thriving."

Please take a look at the illegal alcohol busts reported by the FBI and ATF.

Gladly; direct me to them. (Remember: YOUR claim, YOUR homework.)

There's been no big reduction.

That doesn't even come close to establishing that it's "thriving" as you claimed.

[Know your rights]

Please take a look at the illegal alcohol busts reported by the FBI and ATF.

There's been no big reduction.

From http://www.atf.treas.gov/alcohol/stats/95stats/95newa08.htm. This is your "thriving" black market? ROTFLMAO!

ILLICIT LIQUOR ("MOONSHINE")
FISCAL YEAR	STILLS SEIZED	ILLICIT SPIRITS SEIZED (GALLONS)	MASH SEIZED (GALLONS)
1970	5,228	86,416	1,956,170
1975	889	16,046	283,043
1980	106	N/A	48,470
1985	8	218	6,065
1990	0	4	0
1991	0	80	0
1992	0	13	0
1993	1	6	165
1994	1	506	27
1995	0	1,600	0