Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jun 2003
Source: Argus, The (UK)
Copyright: 2003 Newsquest Media Group
Contact:  http://www.thisisworthing.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2706
Author: Alun Buffry

NO VICTIMS

Brilliant - police raid Worthing's cannabis cafe, arrest
ten, caution eight, then release one without charge and one on bail
(The Argus, May 29). This is apparently part of Operation Harrow to
catch serious criminals. The question is: Were those arrested really
harming anyone? Certainly, some people would rather see the end of the
cafe but I suspect many more would secretly wish for more such places.

After all, cannabis cafes present a safe place for cannabis users to
gather, away from the rest of us, away from children and away from
hard drugs and associated crime.

Police action will achieve nothing except to close down these places
and send the users back on to the streets.

The cost to the taxpayers will run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Still, it's nice to know there is so little really serious crime in
Worthing. Maybe I'll move there.

- -Alun Buffry, Norfolk
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake