Pubdate: Fri, 27 Nov 2015
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2015 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  http://www.smh.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441
Author: Phillip Atkinson

EXPOSURE TO CRIME IS THE ONLY FRUIT OF OUR WAR ON DRUGS

I can anecdotally state that nearly every person in prison is there 
as the result of drugs: using, dealing or an act of madness fuelled 
by "something" ("War on drugs hurts those at risk: experts", November 
26). Nearly everyone does "something". Beer o'clock, drinkies, shots 
after work, wine while making dinner, cones behind the shed, lines in 
the office, party pills before the parade - and then there is ice.

Organised crime steps in to make a market in anything declared 
illegal. The last thing major players in the drug game want is for 
any relaxation of laws. The consequence is globally savaging and 
individually ruinous.

Mexico and Latin America have Iraq-scale violence, just to keep their 
products available to Western noses. Transnational crime syndicates 
and their bikie-gang and crime-group partners become the chemist to 
our sons, daughters and friends. From the human condition of seeking 
their substance of choice (unless alcohol), the otherwise good 
citizen forms ties with organised crime and is exposed to all the 
consequences of illegality. Prisons are full, customs are compromised 
and narco terrorist states thrive.

This is the fruit of the tough talking war on drugs. It's war, no 
doubt - but not on drugs.

Phillip Atkinson

Braidwood
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom