AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett says all Australians who take illicit drugs are contributing to the organised crime violence behind the mistaken shootings of innocent people, as reported on Nine.com.au today.
Barrett says ‘there is a direct connection between Australia’s appetite for illicit drugs, the huge profits flowing to organised crime and deadly violence spilling onto suburban streets.’ Really? I think a lot of people have been saying that for a long time.
Commissioner please note – It’s not people who use drugs that are the problem – it’s our archaic laws and policing that are causing the expansion of criminal networks. This seriously is an insult to all Australians. Let’s get this straight. People use illicit drugs for the same reason they use other drugs such as alcohol. Despite what the media, police, politicians try to convince everyone, people use drugs because they are functional, and that includes benefits eg pleasure, stress and anxiety relief, enjoyment, fun. While people still enjoy drugs, which they have always done, there will still be a demand and while there’s a demand there will be suppliers. Legalize drugs and take away the suppliers. Deal with the reality not the myths and misconceptions those that have invested in the War on Drugs are trying to fool people about.
In fairness to Commissioner Barrett, she’s a public servant, so gets paid by the govt to say these things. Given that the Australian Fed govt has just announced that they are going to throw $600M at drug enforcement in the Pacific, which will have limited impact on drug availability, it’s not surprising that they need to lay the blame at the feet of people who use drugs, people who are least able to defend themselves.
The Commissioner said she wanted Australians to recognise the consequences attached to the country’s demand for illicit drugs. “I want a debate. I want a conversation. I want acknowledgement that illicit drug use is contributing, and the illicit commodity trade in this country is contributing to violence on our streets, but also as an extension, national security.”
The Board of Harm Reduction Australia welcomes any opportunites to openly debate these issues with Commissioner Barrett.
Author: Greg Denham