UK: U.S. Official Attacks Drug Tactics

The Guardian Unlimited ^ | June 19, 2002 | Colin Blackstock

[Wolfie]

US Official Attacks Drug Tactics

The controversial pilot scheme that relaxes Scotland Yard's attitude towards cannabis possession has been criticised by the head of the US drug enforcement administration for increasing drug usage.

Asa Hutchinson, director of the DEA, said that the scheme in Lambeth, south London, had led to a rise in cannabis users and led children to believe it was legal. The pilot programme, which has been running since July last year, means people caught with cannabis are given on the spot warnings, rather than being cautioned, arrested and possibly charged.

An interim study carried out during the first six months of the scheme indicated it had been a success and led to it being extended. This is seen as a sign that the commissioner, Sir John Stevens, is keen for it to roll out across the capital.

The idea is to allow officers to tackle more serious crimes and target drug dealers, rather than spending time dealing with people caught with small amounts of cannabis.

Mr Hutchinson, who is attending a crime conference in London, said: "Clearly, the evidence is that the pilot project in that area where they only issued citations for marijuana use, rather than an arrest, is that it increased usage.

"Wherever you are dealing with harmful drugs, that is not the objective that we want to have.

"As I travelled the neighbourhood, I asked about the young people and the impact on them and the response that came back was that most of them think it is legal now."

A Metropolitan police spokesman last night said: "The pilot scheme continues and its results will be evaluated. We welcome contributions to this debate."

[zarf]

Asa Hutchinson, director of the DEA

It's funny how everyone who takes the gig at DEA ends up looking and smelling like a jackass.

The Brits have the right idea.

[steve50]

Asa keeds to sit down and shut up. I wonder if he'd like wired up to a lie dectector about his Mena Ark/ Barry Seals investigation.

[FastCoyote]

Let's cut straight to the posts coming at the end of this thread "After a year of effective marijuana legalization, London is in ruins, vast hordes of drug crazed youths are rioting, nuclear missles are pointed at the United States and civilization has fallen. All because of reefer madness! Madness I say!"

Just saving time so the WOD-Warriors can go turn in their friends and family.

[Wolfie]

ping

[Lexington Green]

All your England are belong to us.... Either arrest your fellow citizens for smoking a harmless weed... or... or... we will taunt you again.

[Pearls Before Swine]

I loved Asa in ClintonGate. I hope he hasn't Peter Principled in his new job.

[Dakmar]

Asa Hutchinson, director of the DEA, said that the scheme in Lambeth, south London, had led to a rise in cannabis users and led children to believe it was legal.

Hey you kids, it's still illegal. Thank you for giving me a moment to clarify that.

[vin-one]

or maybe we will fart in your general directions.
or may be we will say "NI"
bring me a shrubery.

[vin-one]

now on a more serious note,

scheme in Lambeth, south London, had led to a rise in cannabis users and led children to believe it was legal

Asa said it was a scheme, How about the cannabis users just did not have to
hide anymore from the JackBooted Drug Warriors,
When will he and the other WoD'ers realize that a heck of alot more
people either smoke MJ, or would like to smoke it.

it's still illegal,
and therefore not as many people will admit to it.
I bet the true numbers would surprise all the WOD'ers into waking up,

[David_H]

I would like to know why the US government continues to demonise cannabis and anabolic steroids?

I mean the "war on drugs" in America has only caused them to have one of the largest prison populations in the world and one of the highest murder rates.

Surely rationalizing their drug policies, so that otherwise law abiding people using the less dangerous drugs don't have to consort with gangsters is an improvement.

In the USA, aren't anabolic steroids in the same legal category as heroin and cocaine, even though they are not addictive or anything like as toxic?