FRESH LOOK URGED OVER DRUG LAWS

Controversial Plans to Tackle Crime by Prescribing Heroin to Addicts
Have Been Discussed by Campaigners in Cambridge.

Tom Lloyd, the former chief constable of Cambridgeshire police, met
retired US narcotics officer Jack Cole to debate alternative drug
laws on Saturday.

Both men believe current laws are failing, allowing criminals to
control the supply of drugs and forcing addicts to turn to crimes
such as burglary to fund their habits, and are campaigning for
alternatives to be discussed.

Mr Lloyd, who retired as chief constable last year, said he and Mr
Cole held a meeting with experts including police, policy makers,
charity workers and university researchers to talk about their ideas.

He said: "I am very pleased Jack Cole was able to come over to
Cambridge so we can discuss with all his experience the problems of
prohibition of drugs, which has strengthened my view that it is time
for a change of direction."

Mr Cole, who worked as an undercover drugs officer with New Jersey
State Police, said: "We know prohibition doesn't work, we have seen
that before in the US with alcohol.

"The day after prohibition was abolished in 1933, Al Capone and his
gangs were off the streets and out of business, and they were no
longer killing each other to control the illegal market, killing cops
who tried to stop them, and killing children caught in the cross-fire.

"We believe the same thing will happen with drug dealers if we
abolish the prohibition of drugs - it is a failed policy which is
costing billions of pounds each year and it is time to look for an
alternative."

Mr Cole and Mr Lloyd will attend a seminar debating calls to abolish
a United Nations convention on dangerous drugs, which bans member
countries from legalising them, at the House of Lords today (Monday,
04 December).