War on drugs must continue
Wed, 04/20/2016 - 12:00am
By:
Peta Rowe-Forde
Director of Public Prosecutions, Charles Leacock, has declared that drug use is more prevalent than before, and this is particularly seen among the youth. Therefore, the fight against illegal drug use must continue, he charged.
Speaking at the Fourth Multilateral Maritime Interdiction and Prosecution Summit, he said that there have been a record number of
interdictions over the past year, noting that eradication and incarceration are the two principles under which these interdictions are guided; and due to much enabling legislation, this has been possible.
However, he highlighted a number of paradigm shifts which are emerging in the fight against drug use. The first of these is the call for the complete reversal of the drug fighting strategy that is being put forward by many influential heads. This, Leacock states, shows that regardless of the territory, there are different modes of thinking about the issue.
Additionally, Leacock is of the view that the principles of eradication and incarceration have worked with little success. Leacock divulged that the fight must be multifaceted and diverse, noting that the two principles are not applicable for every offender. He further explained that enough is not being done to care for drug users as addicts rather than just as criminal offenders.
Thus, Leacock is calling for a more balanced approach where there would be treatment as well as other consequences for such offenders.