LEGALISE ALL DRUGS, SAYS DEFENCE QC

A defence lawyer was criticised by politicians yesterday after calling for
a debate on the legalisation of all drugs to "break the link" between users
and dealers.

Donald Findlay QC said the Government had failed to deal with the problem
of drug abuse in society and had fostered a "tough on crime" image instead
of looking for radical solutions.

He said: "Since the mid-1980s we have had drug offences. It is now more
than 20 years on and the problem is continuing to grow.

"From the law's point of view, there has to be much more effort to break
the cycle and I really think we should be having a proper look at
legalising drugs. You have got to try something to get people away from the
dealers."

Mr Findlay said that decriminalising cannabis alone was not enough, and
suggested drug abuse should be treated as a health issue, rather than a
criminal matter.

"If you are going to look at it sensibly, I think you say the proposition
has to be that we simply legalise them all and argue from that standpoint,
unless you can find good reason not to legalise particular drugs.

"People have always taken drugs since Moses was a boy, so surely it is
better to control and look after people's health and well-being, rather
than simply punishing those who break the law and provide minimal help for
those who want help to beat addiction."

His comments were condemned by MSPs who said the decriminalisation of all
drugs, including heroin and cocaine, would be "irresponsible".

Michael Matheson, of the Scottish National Party, said legalising drugs
would send out the wrong message, and Annabel Goldie, justice spokesman for
the Scottish Tories, said the problem was caused by courts failing to "act
tough".

"The problem is not politicians talking tough," she said. "It is the
justice system failing to put tough action into practice."