SCRAP SAFE INJECTION SITE

The verdict is in on Vancouver's safe-injection drug
site.

It's regarded by its proponents as a resounding success.

As the kids would say: "Duh!"

What did they expect? Give drug addicts a safe haven, invite them in
to shoot up and they'll take advantage of it.

It may be cleaner. It may take some of the disturbing, visible drug
use off the streets, but supporters ignore a few important elements.

The heroin or cocaine these people are injecting are illegal
drugs.

Of course the survey results will indicate they have changed their
injection habits for the better.

They have a taxpayer-funded place in which to break the
law.

There's nothing in this experiment demonstrating it reduces drug use,
or reforms addicts, or cuts down on illicit drug trafficking. If
anything, it promotes use and keeps the pushers in business.

We know it's the flavour of the month with a few Vancouver mayors who
obviously have been drinking too many lattes, but the federal
government would do well not to extend the exemption that allowed this
experiment in the first place.

These drugs are either illegal or they aren't. We can't be making
taxpayer-funded exceptions for the worst users under the guise of
greater control and less visibility.

If that's the litmus test, we'll next be setting up shop where people
can take crystal meth.