TACKLING WAR ON DRUGS FROM ALL SIDES

Is The War On Drugs A Worthwhile Effort, Or Has It Been A Failure?

The contentious issue was debated in a packed lecture hall at the
University College of the Fraser Valley, with Norm Stamper, a
well-known advocate for ending the war; UCFV research chair Darryl
Plecas; Abbotsford Police Chief Ian Mackenzie; and Correctional
Service of Canada psychiatrist Ian Postnikoff facing off against each other.

Stamper, a former police chief, says he opposes the war on drugs for
three reasons -- morality, ethics and efficacy.

"What I chose to put into my body, it seems to be my right," he said.

He argued that instead of prosecution, efforts should be put into
treatment and education.

"The drug war . . . . is not working," he said. "I'm convinced the
drug war . . . is causing more harm that good."

However, Plecas was unsure that the war on drugs is actually being
lost. He pointed to lowering crime rate in the United States and
notes that Sweden, which has cracked down on drugs, also has a low crime rate.

"I'm not entirely sure this entire debate . . . should end soon," said Plecas.

While the four pillar approach hasn't "been erected to any
significant degree," he argues that we shouldn't jump to
decriminalization of marijuana now.

"That should be based on an evidence-based approach," he said.

Police chief Ian Mackenzie also said the debate is an important one,
and that there not a right or wrong view.

He notes that the ingestion of drugs does impact on public safety,
and said criminal law is an appropriate tool for dealing with the
drug issue, but should be a "last resort."

He said the Canadian chiefs of police support some non-criminal
sanctions, and also said there must be treatment, prevention and harm
reduction.

Postnikoff argued substances should not be outlawed because some
people are using them irresponsibly.

He points to the issue of some individuals inhaling gasoline. "Should
we outlaw gas because people are using it irresponsibly?" he asked.
"I would argue we should not."

He also advocated regulation of the drug industry, saying that during
alcohol prohibition, there were many, many deaths because of
ingestion of impure alcohol.

"The quality control of the whole alcohol industry left the
government," he said.

However, Mackenzie said there is an "ethical" concern if the
government becomes involved in providing drugs.

Stamper argued for regulations and controls, adding that full
legalization and a free market system is an "inexcusable position."

Also discussed Tuesday was the notion that crime would disappear if
prohibition was abolished and whether drugs cause crime or
prohibition causes crime.

The debate was one of a number of appearances by Stamper in
Abbotsford this week.

He will be at Cole's Bookstore today at 2 p.m. to sign his book,
"Breaking Rank."