COURTS TOO LENIENT WITH DRUG PUSHERS

Sir - In the midst of what is widely recognised by communities as a drug
crisis in Dublin, I find it unbelievable that a judge sees fit to release
two men caught in possession of drugs worth pounds 3 million.

Suspended sentences for that amount of drugs will only encourage people to
involve themselves in their importation and sale.

While we hear plenty of pious rhetoric from politicians and state agencies
regarding the fight against drugs, the reality is that little or nothing is
being done to stem their availability.

The situation is now as bad as it has ever been. Open street dealing is once
again common and the areas hardest hit are, of course, those most deprived
and out of site.

Last week a 49-year-old drug pusher, caught with pounds 3 thousand worth of
heroin, who received another suspended sentence because he was "selling to
feed his own habit".

Does the fact that he is a drug addict make it all right to sell heroin to
kids? The unaccountability of the judiciary is something that will have to
be tackled by politicians eventually. The sooner the better.

There is an irony in the fact that this story hit the headlines in the same
week as three anti-drug community activists appeared in the juryless Special
Criminal Court. I think this demonstrates where the priorities are of those
who run our society.

Ciaran Perry, Cork Street Dublin 8