PROHIBITION

DUNEDIN drug squad head Kevin Anderson opposes the use of mind-altering
substances because he has seen the harm they can do ( ODT , 22.4.04).
However, there is a big difference between opposing drug use and opposing
drug law reform. There's no doubt that Mr Anderson has seen the negative
sides of drugs. So he must be frustrated that attempts to control drug abuse
via criminal sanctions haven't prevented a massive rise in the use of drugs
and drug-related harm in New Zealand over the past two decades. Prohibition
prevents the effective delivery of drug treatment and education and
separates drug users from family and community.

Prohibition, in my humble opinion, causes much more damage than it prevents.

Duncan Eddy

Wellington