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Transform debates the head of the UN drug control programme

Danny Kushlick, director of Transform, debated the future of UK and world drug policy with Antonio Marie Costa, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, on a live TV, internet and radio broadcast on the BBCs world service on Sunday 19th March 06.

The video and audio of this broadcast have now been taken down from the BBC website. Transform is trying to get hold of recordings which will be posted here in due course.

Discuss the show in the Transform discussion forum (news section)

BBC details below

Can the War on Drugs Be Won?

What Do You Think of the Drug Laws in Your Country?

It's estimated that five percent of the world's adult population has used drugs over the last twelve months. The illegal trade is said to be worth as much as $400 billion per year.

This week, the Afghan government started to destroy fields of opium poppies, but a bumper harvest is still expected. Farmers say they need the income. Others say the drugs destroy lives and the profits can be used to fund terrorism.

There are signs in the U.S. that drug use is falling among teenagers, but illegal use of prescription drugs is on the increase.

What's the best way to tackle drug supply and abuse? Is drug use becoming socially acceptable? Would legalization make the problem better or worse?

These questions will be addressed on the BBC program "Have Your Say" on Sunday, 19 March at 9 am EST, 8 am CST, 7 am MST 6 am PST in North America, or 2 pm (14:00 hours) UTC/GMT wherever you are. The program
actually starts at five minutes after the hour immediately after the news break.

This is sure to be a lively and informative discussion between Antonio Marie Costa, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime; Danny Kushlick of Transform Drug Policy Foundation, the United Kingdom's leading drug policy reform organization; and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Executive Director, Jack Cole.