Legalisation: Has The War On Drugs Failed? (Neil Woods, ex-police officer)

As an undercover police officer Neil Woods' job was to infiltrate drug gangs and put their leaders behind bars, but he says his work gradually convinced him that he was doing more harm than good. Since leaving the force he has become one of the UK's foremost campaigners for drug policy reform.

Neil tells this week's host, Jenny Kleeman, why he believes the war on drugs has failed, and sets out his alternative vision for legalising and regulating the use of cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other products. He thinks drugs on prescription or sold with age and dose restrictions, as well as health advice, would be the best way to keep users safe and wrest control of the market away from organised crime.

But, of course, Neil has his opponents. We ask whether the war on drugs really is failing, if legalisation would really eradicate crime and the black market, and whether legalisation might actually increase drug use and deaths.

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Episodes of Radical are released every Thursday and Monday.

Series Producer: Simon Tulett Producer: Nathan Gower Technical Producer: Mike Regaard Senior News Editor: Sam Bonham