NEVER QUIT DRUGS WAR

FOR decades governments have set out to win the war on drugs with
hard-hitting campaigns.

But a high-powered commission has concluded that the strategy of
prevention has achieved little.

The impact of drug abuse on society, ranging from crime, disorder,
family breakdown and the enormous cost to taxpayers, cannot be over-estimated.

Innocent families have been ripped apart by murders committed by drug
addicts who also suffer mental illnesses.

This week the UK Drugs Policy Commission will warn that the
popularity of illegal substances is soaring.

Cocaine and cannabis use is rising rapidly among youngsters and the
UK has the highest level of problem drug use in Europe.

There are signs of hope as the Labour government is spending record
amounts on drug treatment after decades of under-investment.

As we wait for evidence of progress, plans must be speeded up to put
more addicts into treatment to stop them stealing to feed their habit.

And police must be more effective in putting big-time dealers and
traffickers behind bars.

Desvair can never be allowed to prevail in this critical battle
against a stubborn scourge.