CHANGE STRATEGY - TARGET DRUG USERS

Good arguments have been put against decriminalising drug-taking
(Letters, January 3) and let's hope the proposal will be shelved. But
rather than continuing as we are now, wasting millions a year in the
never-ending chase after drug smugglers and dealers, it would make
more sense to do what amounts to the opposite of decriminalisation,
that is, come down heavily on users.

Directing resources towards putting a good proportion of drug-takers
out of harm's way until they dry out would benefit them and society:
it would help those individuals find a real life and, by lowering
demand and thus the price on the street, it would reduce petty
criminal activity, while making the drug trade less attractive to
organised crime.

Finally, policing would be more straightforward and its goals more
achievable. It's simpler to detect a junkie than a wily crime boss.

Mary McClure Armidale