Simon McLean, a retired undercover detective, examines why he advocates drug legalisation despite his law enforcement background. He argues that "Prohibition has failed" and represents the root cause of criminal enterprises rather than merely a flawed policy response.
McLean expresses frustration with UK government resistance to Scotland's drug policy reforms. Scotland, facing Europe's highest drug mortality rate, has sought to decriminalise personal drug use under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 framework. However, London has repeatedly blocked these initiatives.
The author contends the current approach strains public services including mental health, homelessness support, welfare, policing, and imprisonment systems. He suggests the central government's opposition to Scottish autonomy indicates misplaced priorities, potentially prioritising ideology over citizen welfare.
McLean raises concerns about institutional integrity, specifically highlighting suppressed independent advisory reports and insufficient transparency in drug policy decision-making. He concludes that the "War on Drugs" has benefited certain interests, and institutional accountability requires greater scrutiny of those obstructing evidence-based reform.