28 May 2008

Methcon's meth 'solutions' a con

Methcon's proposed solutions to meth are just a con, says Chris Fowlie, spokesperson for drug law reform group NORML.

"Former policeman Mike Sabin is keen to drum up business, but his ideas are just more of the same failed policies that have got us into the mess we're already in.

"Calling for more of the same is just nuts! We've tried punitive sanctions for eighty years but it has not worked.

"Tougher sentences have not prevented meth use. People already go to jail for longer than murderers and rapists, yet P is still here.

"Research shows little to no correlation between intensity of law enforcement and levels of drug use. People make their own decision to use or not use drugs, irrespective of what the law says or people like Mr Sabin think.

"Furthermore, strict enforcement of prohibition makes society more dangerous for everyone, by inflating drug prices and therefore increasing drug-related crime and violence.

"Drug testing students will only mean more people are barred from studying, especially the poor and downtrodden who have increased rates of drug use due to their circumstances. Mr Sabin wants to keep them poor and downtrodden by removing one of the few opportunities for betterment they have.

"Meanwhile, where is the treatment for meth addicts? Where is the equivalent of the methadone or quit-smoking programmes to help them get off it? Treatment is more effective than law enforcement at reducing use, yet all the money goes to cops and prisons.

"It's truly unfortunate that lock 'em up advocates like Mike Sabin dominate the headlines, at the expense of the rational informed debate we need," said Mr Fowlie.

ENDS

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