The sentences don't work
Updated on 05 March 2008
Treating celebrity drug addicts leniently is glamorising narcotics, warns the UN's drug control agency.
An International Narcotics Control Board report claims that courts and police let famous drug takers off lightly, creating wider cynicism about the enforcement of drug laws.
Pete Doherty is well used to the inside of a courtroom. In fact, the Babyshambles frontman seems to have used his court appearances last year as publicity events, apparently sure he faced treatment not prison.
In the end he got a suspended sentence for the possession of crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis while driving uninsured.
Now the UN report says the lenient treatment of celebrities is regrettable and sends wrong messages to young people.
The UN report says the lenient treatment of celebrities is regrettable and sends wrong messages to young people.
Singer Amy Winehouse has been in and out of rehab. Last month she was interviewed by police over a video allegedly showing her using crack. She has not been charged.
The INCB does not name names. But it says celebrities profoundly influence behaviour and values towards drugs.
Kate Moss, of course, lost contracts after she was accused of taking cocaine. However, she was soon back modelling and fronting campaigns.
According to the report, Britain now appears to have the worst crack cocaine problem in Europe and the largest market in amphetamines.
The report identifies a growing drug trafficking route from South America, through West Africa to Britain. And it says the government is failing to target big cartelsm focusing instead on small-time users.
