Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 Source: North Shore News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 North Shore News Contact: http://www.nsnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/311 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) SOCIETY MUST TAKE A STAND ON DRUG USE Illegal drug use and crime continue to headline all forms of media presentation in Canada and around the world. The attention is normal given our ability to both gather and distribute information and the fact that we are naturally attracted to behaviour that strays from the norm, but the sheer volume of criminal activity also defines who we are and where our society is headed. Like most who have been involved in the police profession, I often wonder if there are any basic structural adjustments that can be made to reduce the misery and havoc caused by crime. Arrest and detention alone are obviously not the answer in and of themselves, but neither is the revolving-door, easy treatment of offenders who have absolutely no interest in becoming contributing members of society. Drug offences seem to be at the root of a large volume of illegal activity but, while the harm both individually and collectively is clear, there is a very clear division of opinion as to just what should be done. On the one side there is a group that believes that it is the illegality of illicit drugs that creates profit for criminals and gives rise to the thefts, break and enters and other crimes that addicts perform to support their habits. On the other side is a group that believes that the use of drugs for enjoyment or mind altering is so inherently wrong that society cannot endorse the activity under any circumstances. As with most arguments, there are good points on both sides and the middle ground is "grey" rather than "black and white." Some aspects are certain, however, and these would include that most communities do not want a large portion of their membership to be addicted and non-productive; they would like to feel both personally safe and free from property crime; and, perhaps most importantly, they would like to feel that the young people within our society are safe from harm. The profits from the illicit drug trade are undeniable and seem to increase with each passing year. For example, a recent drug seizure orchestrated by the RCMP international drug squad in Montreal netted some 22.5 tons of hashish worth over $220 million at street level. Would taking the profits out of the process truly eliminate the problem? In our advanced state of advocating individual rights, I suppose such an argument can be made, but as a parent, grandparent and ex-police officer I remain vehemently opposed. Drugs have their place in medical practice, but society and its institutions are already in a weakened state and must take a stand, particularly for the sake of upcoming generations. I was heartened to read the June 18 story in the North Shore News entitled Marchers Confront Dealers. The article described how leadership within the Squamish First Nation marched throughout their reserve in West Vancouver confronting known drug dealers within their community. The message was clear: We know who you are and we don't want drugs in our community anymore. This positive move was echoed by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation who burned a small wooden fort on their North Vancouver reserve, as reported in the North Shore News on June 28. The fort was a suspected location used by both adults and children when involved in drug abuse. I applaud the members of both the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nation groups who have decided to change the environment that allows the existence of drug trafficking. How much illegal activity, including drug abuse, exists within our communities largely because we close our eyes and refuse to get involved? The use of illegal drugs within our society is a serious, multi-faceted problem. Regardless of the legality, the fact that such substances exist will cause many to want to experiment, resulting in addiction for some. Legalization, control and treatment seem to offer one avenue of approach, but I cannot help but react negatively to a society that provides even partial support to such destructive activity. Taking drugs for personal pleasure is not OK. By all means, provide treatment and support for those who are addicted but, given the damage and harm created by drug trafficking, severely punish those who would benefit from the misfortune of others to the level that will discourage participation. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman