Stronger line on drugs needed
HE scourge of alcohol and drug abuse has reached alarming proportions. There are many factors that contribute to this great problem that has a negative impact on our communities.
These include unemployment, poor socio-economic conditions, depression and other psychological problems, experimentation, peer pressure, lack of accessibility of rehabilitation, bribery and corruption involving law enforcement departments, ineffective laws, lack of effective preventative and educational programmes in schools and communities and, of course, the steady supply of drugs.
Let’s focus on the challenges that we are faced with as activists with regards to the supply of drugs.
We hear on a regular basis of drug busts by some passionate and dedicated law enforcement units.
We applaud the initiatives, but the conviction rates are extremely low.
My recent experience in a court of law is a clear indication of the challenge we face.
The battle with the drug dealers goes on.
The justice system or individuals in the system are failing us.
I was asked by a passionate young State advocate to assist with opposing a bail application of a well-known drug dealer, who was arrested with 800 sugars or whoonga caps by a special unit member and his team. The dealer had seven previous convictions.
Negative
I explained in court the great negative impact drugs have on the individual, the family and the community in general.
I told some heart-wrenching stories about abuse of parents, theft from poor homes, rich businesses, cries of mothers, even a documented murder of a grandmother by an addicted couple.
The defence attorney wanted to know why I was denying the accused, a seven-time convicted dealer, the opportunity to be rehabilitated from selling drugs!
She also asked me what difference would releasing one individual back into society make to the drug problem.
I stressed that
the community would be angry if the accused was released.
An experienced Hawks colonel explained to the court that the dealer would continue trading if he were released. That is the general trend. The outcome? The magistrate acknowledged our evidence and our strong feelings about the drug problem but stressed that the accused had rights too.
She granted him bail of R15 000.
I felt like an idiot when I saw the dealer and his cronies giving me dagger looks, uttering some threats while jumping for joy in the car park.
It is time our courts take a stronger line against drug dealers.
I strongly believe there should be a specialised court with experienced, passionate, dedicated magistrates and prosecutors, who understand the plight of people, families and communities affected by drugs. This will avoid inconsistencies and ensure transparency and accountability to the general public.
Sam Pillay is the director of the Anti Drug Forum