CLASH ON BRUNSTROM'S 'ECSTASY SAFER THAN ASPIRIN' CLAIM

CHIEF Constable Richard Brunstrom got the full backing of a member of
the North Wales Police Authority yesterday as a fresh row broke out
over his highly controversial views on drugs.

In a radio interview, Mr Brunstrom claimed Ecstasy was safer than
aspirin, and predicted that all drugs would be legalised within 10 years.

He added: "If you look at the Government's own research into deaths,
you'll find that Ecstasy, by comparison to many other substances -
legal and illegal - is a comparatively safe substance."

Not for the first time, Mr Brunstrom's views have provoked national
controversy and calls for his resignation or sacking.

But last night police authority member Terry Renshaw, also a senior
Flintshire county councillor, said it was time to stop hurling
insults and examine the facts.

"If Richard Brunstrom has said aspirin can be more dangerous than
Ecstasy I believe he will have something to back it up," Mr Renshaw said.

"Both heroin and cocaine are less harmful than alcohol and tobacco
according to figures from our own Prime Minister's office," said Mr Renshaw.

"I recently went out on a drugs raid with the police in the Holywell,
Bagillt and Flint areas. Five people were arrested and a quantity of
drugs taken.

"But there were 34 police officers involved in that raid and what
will the outcome be, some fines?

"The fight against drugs is costing us millions and what are we
achieving?" Mr Renshaw asked.

"But you cannot turn a blind eye to crime and the Chief Constable has
instructed his officers to combat drugs.

"He is upholding the law, but we are losing the battle.

"People who criticise him need to read the two documents he has
produced and presented to the Authority.

"A lot of the information in his last paper, at the end of 2007,
contained information directly from the Prime Minister's office.

"The view the Authority took was, it's time we take a look at the
re-classification of drugs and include alcohol and tobacco in that.

"Alcohol and tobacco are legal substances, but look at what they are
costing the NHS.

"We have to have a full and informed debate on this issue. Unless we
do we will continue to fudge it every time," Mr Renshaw added.

"I am a non-drinker and non-smoker and I'm not a chemist, I don't
know what it is to take Ecstasy but we have to have a full debate to
get a true evaluation."

As soon as Richard Brunstrom gave his views about legalising drugs,
some people had called him the 'Mad Mullah of North Wales, added
Councillor Renshaw.

The debate now had to get beyond personal insults, he said.