TIME FOR DRUG RETHINK

WITHOUT knowing all the facts it is difficult to comment on court reports
published in the media. Take for example; "Cannabis: man fined" (Gazette
October 31).

The reported said the defendant pleaded guilty to "possession" of
135mgs of cannabis with an alleged UKP 5 street value. (Five pounds
for 135mg? That makes it UKP 37/gram, UKP 1000/oz - unlikely! It's
worth more like UKP 0.69, giving UKP 5/gram.)

Notwithstanding that, let me say up front, I do not condone this
crime. The defendant is clearly a danger to society. And, his
antisocial behaviour will most certainly had an derogatory effect on
his neighbours quality of life!

So, in principle, I support the police for arresting him and referring
the offence to the Criminal Prosecution Service [CPS]. Why? Because
possession of cannabis is a crime and it's the policeman's job, to
detect crime and bring the criminal to justice.

My gripe is with the CPS: What overriding factor[s] prompted them to
bringing this case forward? What useful purpose did it serve? Who did
it benefit?

One final point - does anyone know how will the police deal with cases
like this after reclassification on January?

Time for justification!

Don Barnard