DRUG-AWARENESS OFFICER WROTE WITH PASSION ABOUT THE EVILS OF
ADDICTION

Constable Barry Schneider spoke and wrote about the perils of drug
addiction and its effect on individuals and communities.

He wrote the following letter to the Comox Valley Record last Oct.
27:

"I was very disappointed in the tone of your editorial which leaves
the impression that the so-called 'War on Drugs' also involves Canada.
This is simply not true. Canada has never declared a war on drugs.

"In fact, Canada supports a multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary
approach as it is firmly believed that there is no single solution to
this serious and complex problem. The RCMP not only supports this
point of view but has never believed that enforcement is the only
solution to reducing the negative impacts drugs have on our
communities.

"It is clear however that the reduction in drug supply plays a
significant roll [sic] in creating an atmosphere where education and
the reduction in demand for drugs can occur and treatment can be most
effective.

"Clearly, the Canadian approach of prevention, education, enforcement,
treatment and counselling are the most likely to achieve long-term
success for drug-related issues.

"I think that most members of the community will believe you are also
misguided in your assertion that drug use is a victimless crime and
what an adult person does with his or her own body in their home is no
one else's business. This notwithstanding, research supports the facts
that if adults use drugs in the home, there is a substantial increased
usage level by their children.

"Drugs are dangerous and threaten the health, safety and well-being of
not only the user but also that of all citizens. If users don't work
they become a financial burden on their family and/or society and many
become involved in criminal activity. If they do work we pay in lost
productivity, increased absenteeism, increased medical and health
insurance costs and increased accidents, both on and off the job.

"If a drug intoxicated driver kills or injures someone, is that
'victimless'? When drug abusers are abusive, violent or neglectful of
their families, is that 'victimless'?

"We must strike a balance between personal liberties and individual
responsibility. Proponents lose sight of the moral implications of
legalization. With lower prices and greater availability, drug use
will increase, especially among the most vulnerable youth, working
poor and chronically unemployed.

"With use comes addiction. Addicts are enslaved to the drug itself and
are often constrained from holding meaningful employment, having
stable, productive relationships or exercising many of their own rights.

"Crime, violence and drug use go hand in hand. The fact is that
legalization would not change the chemical make-up of drugs nor the
impact they have on behaviour."