Pubdate: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: David L. Staples ABETTING DRUG USE DOESN'T HELP ADDICTS Abetting drug use doesn't help addicts The last time I looked at the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, it was illegal to possess cocaine or any of its derivatives. A maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment is provided by law. Our parliamentarians must therefore consider the offence of possession of cocaine or heroin or crystal meth a serious crime. Section 21 of the Criminal Code of Canada in effect says that anyone who aids or abets a crime is as culpable as the original offender. "Abet" is defined in the dictionary as to encourage, support or countenance by aid or approval. I object strongly to the Vancouver Island Health Authority spending my tax dollars assisting and encouraging cocaine addicts to pursue their filthy habits. These addicts are the same people who daily smash our car windows, snatch our purses and break into our homes in order to support their addictions. I seriously doubt that supplying drug paraphernalia results in any real harm-reduction, given the lifestyle choices made by addicts. I have watched addicts draw water from a mud puddle in order to "cook-up." All levels of government would be much wiser to focus on providing real harm-reduction through universally available detoxification for all users of these dangerous drugs. Drug courts would at last have a viable option to deal with what has become an intolerable situation in our major cities. David L. Staples, retired RCMP inspector, Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Derek