THE letter prominently titled "Get Tough with drug problem", (6/3/99),
requires comment.

Firstly, the tough approach that vilifies and persecutes the end user,
is a dismal failure.

After nearly three decades, that I am conscious of, a staggering
amount of taxpayer's funds have been poured into this bottomless pit.
It has spawned an industry, that demands ever expanding funding as the
corruption within it grows.

Secondly, the sarcastic comment about the "innocence" of the drug user
is a term commonly used by this lobby.

The "no one forced them to take drugs in the first place" line could
be discussed in a little more detail.

Hopelessness, unemployment, depression and a perception of intolerance
in the community all contribute to an environment that is profitable
for criminals.

Who is "innocent" of trying to escape reality through drug
abuse?

Not even I. Once caught in this web of criminal activity the road back
into mainstream society is impeded by this hatred and
intolerance.

In the face of this, the drug user loses respect for a community which
shuns them.

The problem is exacerbated.

People will be vulnerable and criminals will exploit that
vulnerability while certain sections of the community insist on
maintaining the rage.

An answer could lie in an acceptance that people will suffer damage
through criminal opportunism.

Reducing the opportunity for criminal profit on vulnerable individuals
is an avenue so far avoided and indeed, vigorously opposed.

It raises questions about the extent of this criminal
influence.

G. Payne,
Humpty Doo