DRUGS CZAR 'WRONG ON CANNABIS'

One of Britain's most senior police officers has criticised former drugs
czar Keith Hellawell for his opposition to the reclassification of cannabis.

Mr Hellawell, who lost his high profile post last year, announced on
Wednesday that he had quit as a part-time government drugs adviser.

He said the government was going "soft on drugs" after its decision to
downgrade cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug.

'Surprise'

But Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair said the former West
Yorkshire Chief Constable was completely wrong in his thinking.

"I am a bit surprised really by Keith's position on this issue," he told
BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"We in the Metropolitan Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers
fully support the reclassification of cannabis."

The Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the change on Wednesday.

Ian Blair 'surprised' at Hellawell's position

It followed a pilot scheme in Lambeth, south London, where police turned a
blind eye to cannabis possession to spend more time cracking down on hard
drugs.

Mr Hellawell argued that the decision to reclassify sent misleading
messages to parents and children about the danger of cannabis.

Critics

Mr Blair said: "There is certainly a truth in that we have got to get our
communication right.

"The Home Secretary was very clear yesterday - we are very clear - that
cannabis remains a harmful drug.

"But the whole point here, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, is there
is no point in telling young people that all drugs are equally awful."

Mr Blair answered critics, including London Labour MP Kate Hoey, who said
that the pilot scheme led to an increase of drug dealers on the streets.

"There is certainly no evidence of drug tourism occurring in Lambeth - the
people being arrested in Lambeth live in Lambeth," he said.

Defence

Mr Blunkett defended his decision on Thursday.

Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live, the home secretary was asked where people
should buy cannabis.

He said: "They shouldn't, because it is illegal.

"Secondly, it is dangerous, but it is nowhere near as dangerous in terms of
killing people as crack is or heroin, and it does not destroy people in the
same way."