Government report indicates tougher laws failed to lower illegal drug use

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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An official Government study published on Thursday has found that tougher anti-drug laws failed to lower the level of illegal drug use.

The Home Office report based on international evidence, has suggested that there is “no apparent correlation between the ‘toughness’ of a country’s approach and the prevalence of adult drugs use”.

It is the first time in nearly four decades, the report ends government claim that the only way to curb drug use is through using draconian measures against personal possession.

However, the Home Office has indicated the government had “absolutely no intention of decriminalising drugs”, despite the new findings that punishing drug abuse does not help to deter it.

The report used evidence through looking at the health-led approach adopted in Portugal, which decriminalised drugs alongside public health initiatives. The used measure then resulted in reductions in all types of drug use. A cross-comparison of the approach has been made to countries such as Japan, which are using much harsher policies. The contrast led to reveal that the health of drug users was much better in Portugal, where they were directed to health services.

After the report findings published today, an increased risk is likely to provoke a new spat between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats after the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, challenged the Prime Minister David Cameron to consider issues such as decriminalisation or legalisation of possession.

Earlier this year, the Lib Dem leader had pledged to abolish prison sentences for the possession of drugs for personal use, including Class A substances like heroin and cocaine.

A number 10 spokesperson has said that there was “no chance” that “reckless” calls for decriminalisation would be entertained.

He has added: “This report provides no support whatsoever for the Lib Dem’s policy of decriminalisation. In fact, it clearly states that it would be inappropriate to draw those kind of conclusions.

“The Lib Dem policy would see drug dealers getting off scot-free and send an incredibly dangerous message to young people about the risks of taking drugs.”

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