For many years I have worried about the spiralling crime rate in our
country. When I think logically about how we can change things, the only
way forward that I can see is regulation of the illegal drug market.
Transform, the organisation campaigning to redesign drug policy (Evening
Post 25 March), is a really important organisation. It offers hope of a
real change in our society and protection for our children.

Mary Smith from KWADS expressed concern about the protection of children
if drugs were regulated suggesting that under 18s would still have to
buy it on the street. But who would be selling it? It would no longer be
a lucrative industry. We dont have a problem with alcohol and cigarettes
being sold to children by unscrupulous pushers.

What would the regulation of drugs mean in practice? It would mean a huge
reduction in property crime, crime against the person and organised
crime. It would mean legislation to protect children. It would mean
making millions of pounds in tax revenue which could be spent on drug
education and research.

What do the current laws have to offer? They are certainly not preventing
people using illegal drugs. The prohibition of drugs has been a massive
social experiment that has gone disastrously wrong. It is time to
consider the options.

Victoria Jones
Bristol

(Member of Transform, - The campaign to transform drug policy and
legislation)