'JUST SAY NO' APPROACH DROPPED

A new anti-drugs strategy has been launched in Scotland which is being seen
as acceptance that the "just say no" tactic has failed.

The government now plans to produce high-quality information themed "Know
the Score" about the effect of drugs so that people can make informed choices.

Despite the policy shift, the Scottish Executive insisted it was not going
soft on drugs and that there was no intention of decriminalising cannabis.

Ministers admit that the "paternalistic" messages about the danger of drugs
are not getting through.

Instead they will make available information which will spell out that
particular drugs have different effects on individuals.

Politicians say they want parents, teachers and youth workers to be well
armed with the facts when talking about drugs with young people.

Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson said Know The Score was
"fundamentally different" to previous campaigns.

"Locally available information and advice has been patchy and poor in
quality in many cases and information has often been contradictory," he said.

Explicit Information

"Local communications strategies will also help drugs services respond more
quickly and effectively to local emergencies, such as the outbreak of
botulism two years ago, caused by a contaminated batch of heroin.

"They will have much easier access to explicit information targeted at drug
users which minimises the risks."

The director of Scotland Against Drugs, Alistair Ramsay, said: "Old
practices like finger-wagging and sermonising on matters designed to scare
young people away from drugs clearly have not worked.

"A strong message, which says that drugs are dangerous, as an integral part
of credible, reliable and accurate information should be accessible to
young people who have developed the skills to make sound choices for their
lifestyle."

On behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, James
Orr, said: "Providing accurate and factual information on drugs is vital if
we are to better inform young people, parents and carers alike.

"Confused messages only exacerbate the problem."

The focus will be on education and prevention rather than on enforcement,
with police resources concentrated on catching the dealers.

Drugs Cash

As part of this, dealers should find more of their assets being confiscated
under the proposed Proceeds of Crime Bill.

The proceeds will then be used to treat, rehabilitate and support their
victims.

It was announced earlier this month that a deal had been done which would
allow half of the money seized from criminals in Scotland to remain north
of the border.

Until now, all the money has been handed over to the UK Treasury in London.