Burke fuels dope fire

[boulder]

Burke fuels dope fire

February 08, 2003

 

Opposition Leader Denis Burke said yesterday Territorians should be

allowed to decide for themselves whether they smoke marijuana.

 

He said the Government was misguided in its determination for police to target marijuana use.

 

"The vast majority of marijuana use is recreational use," Mr Burke said. "It's harmless and the Government should concentrate on issues that are a concern to the community."

 

As the former commander of 2nd Cavalry Regiment based at Robertson Barracks, Mr Burke said he tolerated marijuana consumption by his troops.

 

"There are many people that will not drink alcohol, but will have the occasional smoke," he said.

 

"Obviously that's a matter for them to decide."

 

Mr Burke said he has never smoked marijuana. He said police should target the distribution of harder drugs where there is a clear link with crime.

 

Attorney-General Peter Toyne said: "He (Mr Burke) has a blind spot when it comes to admitting to a drug problem in the Territory and he is clearly ignoring the evidence.

 

"The Martin Government makes no apologies for targeting the illicit drug trade and the link between drug use and property crime through a law enforcement strategy of zero tolerance. Financing a drug dependency is costly so it is no news to anyone, except Denis Burke, that there is a strong link between drug use and property crime."

 

A spokesman for Mr Burke said the Government's position was curious. Chief Minister Clare Martin had once compared smoking dope to drinking wine.

 

Northern Territory News

[pipeman]

"The Martin Government makes no apologies for targeting the illicit drug trade and the link between drug use and property crime through a law enforcement strategy of zero tolerance.

the only effect off zero tolerance will be to force drug prices up.

 

so their policies will do nothing except to make the existing identified problems worse. thanks morons.