Sure many addicts resort to crime to feed their habit,but drugs cut across ,all classes and types of people..The illegality of drugs causes more problems than the drugs themselves..Thats if they are clean ,legal drugs off doctors but look at all the nasty drugs the can prescribe...Drink,fags,food all drugs,Iam an addict have to pay for my drugs,very fussy what i take,went to university,got the house,family etc and bet you couldnt uess i was hard drug user...Do think they have been a waste of time personally now..Hindsights a wonderfull thing....The N.H.S failed me and hunders of others,so why the G.M.C putting 7,decent,caring,doctors,prepared to look at the problem from all angles,not "one size fits all",on trial right now..The polticians buckets of sand job...Do you want the Yardies running the supply or Doctors,i live very near Harlesden ,the consquences of present,drug policy,manifest in regular shootings,deaths,etcetc...If you dismiss everything ive said believe me METHADONE is a nasty drug,along with many legal drugs prescribed..Still no doubt your remain ,entrenched in your preconcieved,ideas,unless you look at the problem,with open mind and reality of the situation...
What to do about crack and smack, especially in Brixton? My take - "don't damage my community". Translates into top priority = don't openly deal on the streets - it frightens people and raises their fear of crime - street deal and I'm after you. That means arrest, charge, court, long prison sentence (I hope).
Chaotic drug users - those so addicted to crack or smack that they cannot hold down a job, don't have enough money to feed the habit without robbing, breaking into people's homes or cars = damaging my community. These people are victims though. Victims of 'the system' that got them into the state they are in - victims of the drug dealers who encouraged them into taking the stuff maybe. We need more money for treatment, outreach work, support, so these people can come off the stuff and start living again. OK, if they rob and steal they'll get arested too, but hopefully they will get help too (we have drug workers at the police station, for example).
Not much time now, but I wil develop my ideas as we go along. Bottom line - screw the dealers, help the addicts.
Light blue touch-paper and retire!
