THE SNP formally backs the decriminalisation of drugs in a unanimous decision made last weekend.

The announcement made during the conference in Aberdeen on Sunday, October 13, also declared that current drugs policy was 'not fit for purpose'.

But this decision has not been greatly received by Borders councillors.

Councillor Watson McAteer (Ind, Hawick and Hermitage), a former Detective Chief Superintendent, told us: "The Scottish Government's proposal to decriminalise illegal drugs is not the silver bullet to a problem that has plagued Scotland since the sixties. 

"The rapid rise in the availability of class ‘A’ drugs, specifically cocaine and heroin, is at the heart of the problem and making it even easier to access these and other highly addictive substances will do little to solve what is a national scandal.

"There is no doubt that the war being waged against illegal drug misuse is failing and a radical review is urgently required.

"However, opening the floodgates and seeing what happens next is an extremely dangerous proposition and in my view a step too far."

Councillor George Turbull (Cons, Hawick and Hermitage), who is chairman of the local Police, Fire & Rescue, and Safer Communities Board agreed. He said: "I'm totally opposed to what's been given from the conference.

"I think it's the thin edge of the wedge, and sends a completely wrong message. Drugs are the biggest scourges in society today.

"Certainly, what they're intending to do is just a total watering down of what we're trying to do elsewhere to address the huge drugs problem.

"Decriminalising certain drugs just sends the totally wrong message."

Earlier this year we reported that drug-related deaths were at an all time high in the Borders, with 22 deaths reported in 2018 compared to 13 in 2017 - meaning a rise of 70 per cent.

Although decriminalisation will remove the criminal law status from possessing and using drugs, it is still illegal to possess, use and even import drugs. However, instead of criminal proceedings, drug offences will be met with various sanctions, such as a fine, driving licence suspension or even just a warning.

Andrew Horne from Addaction - Scotland's biggest drugs and alcohol charity - said of the announcement: "We warmly welcome the SNP’s decision to officially support the decriminalisation of drugs in Scotland.

"Trying to arrest our way out of the problem has been a monumental failure, so it’s heartening to see a political party listening to the evidence base.

"People who develop problems with drugs need compassion and support, not punishment.

"It’s crucial to remember that drug use has no social barriers. People from all walks of life use drugs and all deserve equal treatment for what is ultimately a health and care issue - not a criminal one."

David Liddell, CEO of Scottish Drugs Forum also welcomed the SNP's support for decriminalisation. He said: "Decriminalisation would address several issues that cause unnecessary harm to people who use drugs and others.

"The clandestine nature of drug use can stop people seeking information and help from treatment and other professionals. People who regard their use as non- problematic are not open with health professionals, who could otherwise link their health issues with their drug use.

"People who are already experiencing harms present to services later and in the face of more serious harms than they might otherwise have had.

"Criminalisation clearly stigmatises people and has negative effects on people’s sense of self and identity. This, for some, leads to more marginalisation and more drug use."

Mr Horne also added: "“We can’t let drug related deaths be a fact of life in Scotland. The evidence of what works to bring them down is there; hopefully the political will to take action is now growing too.”

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