STRATEGIES TO TACKLE DRUG ABUSE

From Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate

Sir, Many congratulations on your clinical analysis and demolition
of the report Drugs and the Law by the Police Foundation (leading
article, March 29; see also letters, March 31).

Evidence is emerging that drug use among schoolchildren has fallen
dramatically in the past two years (Young People and Illegal Drugs
into 2000, Schools Health Education Unit, Exeter University). It would
be irresponsible to weaken our resolve to combine education, treatment
and firm enforcement as important ingredients of the Government's
ten-year strategy.

For the avoidance of doubt, the police service has rejected the
controversial recommendations of the charitable "think-tank" to
reduce the classification of cannabis and Ecstasy as being unhelpful
in tackling drug misuse in modern Britain.

Having been the head of a drug squad in my former career, I have seen
the misery and despair caused to families by drugs and we should not
give the slightest indication that society approves of a culture of
recreational use of dangerous substances. We have enough problems with
alcohol and tobacco.

What may appear "fun" at the parties of the chattering classes is
extremely dangerous on the council estates of our towns and cities.

Yours faithfully, Brian Mackenzie, House of Lords.
mackenzieb@parliament.uk April 2.