HOME SECRETARY CRACKS NUTT.

In the early nineties, the author was an active member of the local neighbourhood watch. Occasionally, we would invite guest speakers; all relevant to the cause. Their topics ranged from tips on security to victim support. However, the one that was the most impressive was a young police officer from the 'Drugs Squad'. His interest in his job was paramount and he was determined to rid society of the evils of drug abuse. We shouldn't be surprised if the unit has long since been disbanded, or diluted.

The theme of his talk was based around the fact that most sufferers of abuse from class A drugs invariably started with cannabis or other so called recreational stimulants. This, in most cases, has completely destroyed many lives and, furthermore, has cost us all considerable amounts of money via the NHS.

Enter Professor Nutt, a so called drugs expert, who points out that cannabis and ecstasy, along with others, are not too harmful; by comparison with alcohol and tobacco they should be acceptable. Although I agree that binge drinking is dangerous to both the individual and, very often, others, how can cannabis (skunk), of which we are informed frequently as being a damaging substance, become acceptable on that basis? The whole argument is ridiculous, since it appears that the Professor thinks what he considers to be soft drugs should not fall foul of the law.

Tell that to a relation of mine who happens to be an 'Intensive Care Nurse'. The beds in her unit are often filled with addicts in a hopeless condition. We pay for this self -inflicted misery.





WE'RE WITH YOU ALAN JOHNSON.