Prohibition: Not Just a Failure. It's the Cause of the Problem.

I'm often asked why, as a former police officer who enforced our drug laws day and daily, I advocate the legalisation of all drugs alongside proper regulation and support service for those caught in the vice like grip of addiction and abuse. The answer was very simple when I started out. Prohibition has failed. Initially I thought it was a bad remedy, but now I know that it is the actual cause of the problem, having created a criminal underworld who thrive on illicit trade of all descriptions. But my view is evolving still as I learn more and more about those who purport to lead and govern us.

I am totally dismayed, but in no way discouraged by the resistance and ignorance displayed by the UK government concerning drug policy in Scotland.

Despite Scotland's proactive efforts to decriminalise personal drug use, London has repeatedly obstructed these initiatives, hampering efforts to address its severe drug problem. This issue underscores the growing divergence in drug policies between the UK and other progressive Western democracies.

Scotland's government has acknowledged the failure of the current framework under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, setting the stage for a crucial overhaul. With the highest drug mortality rate in Europe, Scotland's current approach has strained numerous public services, including mental health, homelessness, welfare, policing, and imprisonment. Yet, the UK government's reluctance to grant Scotland the autonomy to address this crisis continues to block effective solutions.

Highlighting the UK government's actions and its opposition to Scotland's drug policy reform, I aim to spotlight potential corruption and overreach. The central government's resistance to Scotland's proposed changes suggests it prioritizes its own agenda over the well-being of Scottish citizens. Additionally, the suppression of independent advisory reports and the lack of transparency in decision-making processes must raise legitimate concerns about the integrity of drug policy governance.

Clearly, the so-called War on Drugs hasn't been a disaster for everyone, and where personal interest or ideology apparently supersede the health and well being of our nation, more light requires to be shone in those dark corners of our institutions.