MAKE IT LEGAL AND SAFE

RE: 'Cocaine fuels rise in crime' (March 19). Hamilton Police Chief Ken
Robertson states that "90 per cent of all (street) crimes committed are as
a result of drug users feeding their habits." Throw alcohol into the mix
and I'd argue that we've accounted for 99.9 per cent of all crime
committed anywhere.

I have a novel (some will say radical) solution to the illicit drug
problem: Stop enforcement altogether, and treat drug abuse as the
public-health concern it is. In fact, take the next step beyond
decriminalization and dispense drugs to users for free. Sound ludicrous?
Picture the following scenario:

A 24-hour drug dispensary operated by health-care professionals and social
workers where addicts can receive a prescribed dose in a clean needle,
provided they inject at the facility and remain for a period of time after.
The needles can be safely disposed of (preventing disease spread through
re-use) and staff can monitor addicts under the influence. Then it's tea
and cookies with the Salvation Army and some literature about, or a
referral to, a rehab program. Drug users could be monitored, their habit
regulated and they could be confident that they're not ingesting
cornstarch, detergent or the cutting agent du jour and, just perhaps, be
weaned off drugs altogether. But it must be free for the addict; then
Johnny Crackhead won't have to break into my house and steal my TV or rob a
bank to finance his habit. And because there's no profit anymore, we've
just decapitated any group of goofs who import, manufacture or distribute
illicit drugs.

Critics would argue that freely dispensing drugs would encourage young
people to experiment. In my view, those not now inclined to jab something
in their arm, put it up their nose, or smoke something named after a part
of their anatomy are not likely to start just because it's free.

Even in today's environment of high street prices and high police
enforcement, drugs are easy to come by for anyone who wants them. Take the
profit away and we eliminate the need for substance abusers to be criminals.

Granted, the savings from law enforcement would have to be shifted to
health care to finance the clinics. But the profits in human terms could be
immense. Imagine leaving your doors unlocked or going for an evening stroll
downtown without a care.

Like I said: It is a novel idea.

Blair Midgley,

Hamilton