GET TOUGHER ON DRUGS

My 20-year-old son died from a suspected heroin overdose on March 31.

He came from a decent home and enjoyed a normal childhood. A display of
photos at his funeral showed a young boy enjoying life to the full, with
all the expectations that childhood promises.

For reasons we will never understand, he made choices that led to his
untimely death.

Thousands of families around Australia are suffering as they try to come to
terms with this dreadful drug.

How many more people have to scream out from newspapers and talkback radio
that they simply do not agree with setting up injecting rooms for drug users?

When will Prof. David Penington and the State Government wake up to pubic
opinion and withdraw this ridiculous and dangerous proposal that legalises,
in certain circumstances, the use of a substance threatening the stability
of family life?

Why do we follow strategies adopted by countries such as Holland,
Switzerland or Germany? Do Singaporeans endure problems with drug use? If
not, what are the differences?

Our first priority is to protect our young from the availability of this drug.

No government has shown strong leadership in terms of adequate penalties
for trafficking. Dealers must be subject to mandatory minimum sentences
that reflect the impact of this evil drug on individuals and society.

Alan Scaife is a Croydon resident