COPS: MAKE DRUGS LEGAL

SCOTLAND'S street cops yesterday called for drugs to be
legalised.

The Scottish Police Federation said officers were losing the war on
dealers and a different approach was needed.

They believed a regulated drugs industry would take the power from
criminals attracted by huge profits.

The issue was debated at the federation's annual conference in
Peebles.

Inspector Jim Duffy, of Strathclyde Police, said: "We are not winning
this war and not coming close to winning.

"I do not want this to be seen as a surrender or withdrawal. What we
are seeking is new weapons and tactics. The status quo isn't an option."

But Strathclyde Police sergeant Kenny Simpson said: "The public, on
listening to this, are entitled to ask, 'Have the police lost the plot?'

"It is naive to think if we legalise drugs, criminals would just move
on."