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10/07/2002
Police remain vigilant despite plans to reclassify cannabis
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr John Reid, has said that new Home Office proposals on the reclassification of cannabis does not represent a softening of the government’s attitude towards illegal drugs.
Cannabis is to be downgraded from Class B to Class C to free-up police resources to fight hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the plans this afternoon and it is expected that the new UK-wide legislation will be introduced next year.
However, Dr Reid said that because Northern Ireland's current drug problem was slightly different than the rest of the UK, police would continue to target those who deal in the drug.
Dr Reid said: “Reclassification of cannabis does not mean its legalisation. People found guilty of possessing or trafficking cannabis are breaking the law.
“It is accepted that Northern Ireland’s drug problem is different from other parts of the United Kingdom.
“As a result of this, cannabis is a drug of great local concern and the police will continue to target those who deal in this drug.
“We are aware that some individuals and gangs that have links to paramilitary organisations traffic cannabis and that the profits are used to sustain those organisations.
“We will continue to work closely with the police and the courts to ensure that those convicted of trafficking in cannabis are brought to justice," the minister added.
(MB)
Cannabis is to be downgraded from Class B to Class C to free-up police resources to fight hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the plans this afternoon and it is expected that the new UK-wide legislation will be introduced next year.
However, Dr Reid said that because Northern Ireland's current drug problem was slightly different than the rest of the UK, police would continue to target those who deal in the drug.
Dr Reid said: “Reclassification of cannabis does not mean its legalisation. People found guilty of possessing or trafficking cannabis are breaking the law.
“It is accepted that Northern Ireland’s drug problem is different from other parts of the United Kingdom.
“As a result of this, cannabis is a drug of great local concern and the police will continue to target those who deal in this drug.
“We are aware that some individuals and gangs that have links to paramilitary organisations traffic cannabis and that the profits are used to sustain those organisations.
“We will continue to work closely with the police and the courts to ensure that those convicted of trafficking in cannabis are brought to justice," the minister added.
(MB)
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