RIGHT MESSAGE

THE confiscation of property for being convicted as a drug trafficker is a
law that will go a long way to reducing the supply of drugs in WA.

A man is about to lose his house as a result of growing cannabis with
intent to supply (Cannabis grower to lose his house, 7/10). It always
amazes me that when anyone gets caught it is the first time they have done
the crime. What they actually mean is, it's the first time they have been
caught.

How would a normal 50-year-old person have the vaguest idea of where to
sell big quantities of cannabis? One would assume that he knew where to
dispose of the drugs before planting.

It seems to me that the law makers have not thought this particular law
through, because there are people now trying to say that we should be
selective about who has their property seized. Why can't law makers assume
all scenarios before passing laws? If we start watering down the law as it
stands it sets a precedent for all who follow.

I feel very sorry for the chap in Yangebup, but this is possibly just the
message we need to send to society. It doesn't matter who you are or what
your motives are, if you supply drugs you will, in addition to any other
punishment, lose your property.

The chap said he was desperate and desperate people do desperate
things. Well, the fact that he could be responsible for a lot more people
doing desperate things should have been considered before committing this
crime. How many more crops would this man have grown if he had not been
caught?

IAN CROSSLEY, Duncraig.