Media/News > Press Releases > 24.09.07

Brown's message on drugs is “manna for the Mafia”

News release
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Date: Monday 24 September 2007

In his speech today at Labour party conference Gordon announced that the message to young people is that, “ drugs are never going to be decriminalised".

Danny Kushlick, Transform Director said:

“Gordon Brown's statement is manna for the Mafia. It is the very prohibition of drugs that gifts the market in illegal drugs to international organised crime and their legalisation and regulation that will take it away from them. His rhetoric may play well to parents of young people but it will do nothing to undermine the multi billion pound trade that is their bread and butter.

“It is estimated that the global trade in illegal drugs is worth £320 billion and Brown's continued commitment to the global regime of prohibition maintains one of the biggest money earners for organised crime.

“This is drug policy rhetoric that serves to stave off populist fears but creates one of the largest crimewaves on earth. Never mind Crimestoppers, this is Crimestarters writ large.”

ENDS

Contact

Danny Kushlick, Director: 07970 174747
Steve Rolles, Information Officer 07980 213943