Former policeman advocates overhaul of UK drug policy

A former police officer claims that the UK’s current drug legislation has failed to produce results and that the idea of a drug-free society is a fantasy.

This is what Durham Police Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg believes. He has called for a reform of cannabis legislation, making it allowable for medicinal purposes, as well as an overhaul of the UK’s drug policy. While he does not think that legislating all drugs yet is a good idea, he can understand how a legitimate and controlled drug trade could be good for the country. Mr Hogg’s comments follow recent claims made by the Adam Smith Institute, that the legalisation of cannabis could boost the UK economy by £7bn.

Mr Hogg said, “You can see in the USA how much it has boosted the coffers. It would take out a huge chunk of organised crime, but let’s not kid ourselves, it wouldn’t wipe out organised crime all together. There is still a huge market for illicit alcohol and tobacco which is worth around £1bn a year despite those being legal.”

Mr Hogg is also supportive of Fiona Measham, a lecturer at Durham University, who has a project to have drug testing available at nightclubs and music festivals. Ms Measham believes that a similar drug testing service should also be on offer to the public. Mr Hogg agrees that being able to check the quality of drugs being used would be helpful and a step on the path to protecting people’s health.