I have no need for a substance that makes me dopey and silly. Dopiness and silliness are part of my natural make-up. Why on earth would I need to smoke cannabis? That said, I do like a pint, and a few of those make me dopey and silly. However, alcohol also makes many other people aggressive and argumentative. Now, I'm trying not to be controversial here, but although I don't partake myself, I've yet to meet a combative pot- smoker. A snack-hungry one, yes. But somebody up for a scrap? [continues 503 words]
A HEROIN addict who died from an overdose in Belfast had planned to speak out publicly about the dangers of drugs. Tragic Gary Cathcart (31), thought to be the Ulster's first heroin fatality, wanted to warn young people they could end up like him. Today's revelation came as the Government, in an unconnected move, announced a review of Northern Ireland's anti-drugs strategy. Friends revealed that Gary, a talented young soccer player who once had trials with Chelsea, had planned to go public about his addiction after coming off heroin last year. [continues 165 words]
THE £2m cost of policing the Harryville church protest is hampering the war against drugs, it emerged today. RUC resources which could help smash the Ballymena's large narcotics trade which includes heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs are tied down policing the weekly Saturday night demonstration. A significant portion of the £2m spent tackling the loyalist protest has come from the local policing budget, the area's most senior RUC officer revealed. Ballymena sub divisional commander Robert McCallum said: "While not all of the £2m expenditure on Harryville comes out of the local policing budget, many hundreds of thousands of pounds do, which results in a reduced policing service. [continues 178 words]
