Drug offences: Hanging the small fry already in prison could very well defeat the purpose

The President is very keen on implementing capital punishment on drug traffickers though the penalty is one of those punishments not being enforced in many countries since the 70s.

Many are the convincing arguments for not enforcing the death penalty.

The current situation in the country is the impetus to enforce it for drug related offences.The pertinent question is are those on death row mere peddlers or are they the kingpins? Are they the bigwigs who control and conduct the big time business with global ramifications? By putting those con- victed to death is it going to put a stop to this widespread smuggling, distribution, sale and consumption of heroin etc?

Of all those already convicted and awaiting the noose how many played a pivotal role in this thriving business? Drug trafficking has not abated after their conviction. Unless of course they are the kingpins who carry on the trade from behind the bars. Such a situation is an indictment on the law enforcing agencies or authorities and their guardian angels.

Has the desire to enforce the death penalty acted as a deterrent?

It is better to think twice before putting the small fry to death while the business goes on as usual or at a brisker pace.Why is the State not making use of them to trace back and get at the real culprits? To a good sleuth one small lead is enough to catch the entire network. Do they have the freedom to capitalise on it?

Legally putting those apprehended to death effectively ensures the safety of the real culprits and the continuation of their business as usual.

R.Suntharalingam