Calls by a chief constable for hard drugs to be legalised have been described as “far too simplistic” an approach to tackling the problem.
North-east MSP Richard Baker said investing in support groups which help people kick their habits would be a better idea.
He was responding to claims made by a senior police officer in England, who claimed that decriminalisation was the best way to wrestle power away from gangs. Labour MSP Mr Baker said: “I would be very sceptical that simply legalising it would be the solution here.
“I believe that the focus should be on groups that have tremendous success in getting drug users to change their ways.”
Durham Chief Constable Mike Barton yesterday called for hard drugs to be legalised to stop gangs reaping financial rewards.
The national intelligence leader for the Association of Chief Police Officers also suggested the NHS should supply Class-A drugs such as heroin and cocaine to addicts.
He said: “Not all crime gangs raise income through selling drugs, but most of them do in my experience. So offering an alternative route of supply to users cuts off the gang’s income stream.
“I think addiction to anything – drugs, alcohol, gambling, etcetera, is not a good thing, but outright prohibition hands revenue streams to villains.”
Last night the chief executive of Aberdeen-based charity Drugs Action (DA), Luan Grugeon, said that evidence showed that opiod replacement therapy was working.
“I certainly agree with the sentiment that people with drug problems should be treated and cared for and in our experience at DA, a criminal record can be a barrier to someone in recovery, particularly when looking for employment,” she said.
“We see on that people are recovering and with the right support can move on with their lives.”
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