Simon McLean, a former undercover detective, presents a compelling argument about the unintended consequences of drug prohibition. He begins by noting that certain constants in human nature are inevitable — when profit opportunities exist, competition follows to exploit them.
The creation of the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971 inadvertently established what McLean describes as "a huge global opportunity to make so much ready cash that we now have criminals with assets exceeding the economy of small nations." This concentration of wealth translates directly into power, allowing criminals to "buy what they want, including votes, good will, juries, councils and businesses of every description."
McLean emphasises that the accompanying violence and coercion are not theoretical but actively occurring. He argues the primary reason for ending prohibition isn't merely humanitarian concern for street victims or freeing criminal justice resources, though these matter. Rather, the urgent imperative is reclaiming societal control from drug cartels and barons who "have no interest in compassion, fairness or democracy."
His position suggests prohibition itself has created the very criminal empire threatening democratic institutions today.