Last week, Sir Richard Branson leaked a report from the United Nations that discussed the idea of decriminalising all drugs.
The ‘war on drugs’, as it has become commonly known, has been fought for decades, but recently due to the millions of pounds spent compared to the lack of a decrease in the number of drug users, or those killed by drug related illnesses, many have suggested reform.
Hayes, in West London, is no stranger to the drug trade, and in July this year, the town was home to one of the largest operations in recent memory, as more than 200 officers raided properties in the Hillingdon area.
In October 2013, 17 people were arrested and brought to courts following police raids, and most of those charged went to prison, but many have questioned whether giving a criminal record to an individual in possession of narcotics is beneficial.
Jack Perch, 21, who has lived in Hayes all his life, said: “It is certainly in everybody’s best interest to tackle the drug problem in the most effective manner and it seems as though criminalising drug users only perpetuates the problem.”
Hillingdon Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Downing believes otherwise, stating in July that: “Our message is clear; if you are intent on committing crime, you risk an early morning wake up call from our team and a future behind bars.”
A future behind bars is a strong statement, and research suggests that this rarely tackles the actual problem of addiction.
Simon Humphreys, 21, a student from Hayes who has witnessed drug use first hand, strongly believes that jail time simply puts the problem on hold, and that a user will simply continue when their sentence is over.
“People who have been sent to jail with drug issues never get any help for their problems, if decriminalising drugs means less people are going to jail and provides us with a chance to treat addiction better then I agree with it.”
This year’s crackdown in Hayes is continuing, despite a similar one two years ago, named Operation Globe, where 18 individuals were handed sentences that total 30 years.
As Hayes’ seemingly endless war on drugs continues, so it seems does drug use itself. Residents see the potential that decriminalisation brings, and after another huge police operation this year, many are pushing for another, supposedly more compassionate option.
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