ILLEGAL DRUGS

Sir, You quote Nick Wilson, head of the National Criminal Intelligence
Service (NCIS) drugs unit (report, December 29), as saying:

People who buy illegal drugs have no way of knowing the true content of
what they are buying. They risk some appalling side-effects - even death -
a criminal record and further enhancing the evil spread of organised crime.

All of these dire effects are direct and predictable consequences of
prohibition. So is the perpetual development of new psychoactive chemicals,
and new synthetic methods resulting in new adulterants. Altogether, Mr
Wilson makes a strong and persuasive case for the immediate legalisation of
the drugs trade. Legalisation is the only way to achieve proper regulation.

Yours sincerely,

Dr David Dunstan,
17 Testard Road,
Guildford, Surrey GU2 5JU.