OFFICERS IN CALL TO LEGALISE USE OF DRUGS

SCOTTISH police officers have sparked anger after calling for the
legalisation of all drugs - including heroin and cocaine.

The Strathclyde Police Federation has called for a dramatic change of
direction in the battle on drugs crime, and the issue will be debated
later this month.

The body, which represents 7000 officers, is set to argue that all
drugs should be licensed in the same way as cigarettes and alcohol.
Officers claim this would cut drug deaths and divert police resources
to other crime-fighting priorities. It is the first time that an
organisation representing officers has made such a demand.

Opponents today said the move would only increase the availability of
drugs. But the federation believes millions of pounds are wasted on
enforcing existing laws, with little impact on the availability of
drugs on the street.

Inspector Jim Duffy, chairman of the federation, said: "We are not
winning the war against drugs and we need to think about different
ways to tackle it."

The Scottish Executive said that drug legislation is reserved to
Westminster.