Pubdate: Fri, 25 Apr 2003
Source: Daily Record (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/111
Author: Andrew Walker

COPS: DRUGS LAWS A FARCE

SCOTLAND'S rank-and-file police officers yesterday claimed the country's 
drug laws were three decades out of date.

And they warned that without huge changes, the fight against organised 
crime would be lost.

The Scottish Police Federation called for a Royal Commission to study drug 
legislation.

Tayside Police inspector Chris White said the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act 
needed a complete overhaul.

He branded it a "lingering, dusty cobwebbed legacy of prejudice and failure".

Strathclyde Police drug expert Kenny Simpson said current laws gave a 
maximum of life imprisonment for possessing cannabis - the same as for 
dealing heroin.
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