HARD DRUGS 'CHEAPER THAN TOBACCO'

The prices of illegal drugs have fallen sharply in the past 12 years,
triggering claims that high alcohol costs could push more youngsters
towards drugs.

The prices of cocaine, heroin and cannabis have all dropped since 1990,
while the cost of an Ecstasy tablet has fallen from UKP18.80 to just UKP7,
according to Home Office figures.

Meanwhile, the cost of legal, taxable drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol
has risen over the same period, which critics said sent a mixed message to
young people.

David Laws, the Liberal Democrat MP who obtained the Home Office figures,
said the falling prices proved the Government's bid to crack down on the
drugs trade was failing.

He added that outlawing drugs encouraged young people to use harder and
more dangerous substances.

He said: "The way in which we have drawn up the classification between
legal and illegal drugs may have helped to create an incentive for people
to cross from legal to illegal drugs. It could force more young people
towards drugs, particularly in the more deprived areas."

Mr Laws said he had tabled a Parliamentary question about the cost of drugs
because of fears among police that a fall in the cost of crack cocaine had
led to a 20 per cent rise in crime.

He said many areas, particularly rural towns and villages, did not have
sufficient resources to tackle the drugs problem, or offer help to addicts.

"If as a society we have got a situation where there are economic reasons
for people to use illegal drugs then I think it is time for us to have an
objective, rational look at our drugs policy," he said.