We cannot persist with status quo

I USED to be quite right-wing in my views on drugs — that’s the way I was brought up.

Anyone caught with them should face tough sanctions, no matter if they have thousands of pounds’ worth they plan 0n dealing, or a small amount to feed their addiction.

However, that’s beginning to change based on what’s happening here in Dundee.

While I still agree with the police taking a hard line on anyone peddling these substances to our communities and exploiting the vulnerable, and those who use drugs recreationally — ignoring all the warnings around the dangers of taking them — I feel we have to start seeing drug possession among addicts in a different light.

It’s clear the vast majority of people who are caught with substances like heroin aren’t just planning to take it for a “good” night out, in the same way a club-goer might be found with cocaine or ecstasy.

They have the drug because they’re in the grip of an addiction — a habit they can’t get rid of.

If there are people who enjoy taking hard drugs to feed an addiction, I’ve yet to hear from them.

Ask almost every person who is fighting to overcome that kind of lifestyle and they’ll tell you they want to be clear of drugs.

Most of them wouldn’t have started taking drugs in the first place if they’d realised the impact it would have on them. Don’t get me wrong, taking drugs is a personal choice and no one is forced to start taking them.

But we all know the impact peer pressure, poverty and other factors can have on the way people behave.

Perhaps it’s time to start helping addicts, rather than criminalising them.

Either way, we can’t persist with the status quo. It just isn’t working.

PB, Du9dee.