would it save lives? yeah. yes. critics of decriminalisation say that it normalises dangerous drugs use and puts money in the pockets of criminals. is that fair? i don t agree at all. i think it s important - to assume that we are dealing with a health condition, - with a disease, and we do not criminalise other diseases. in portugal, consumption of drugs is treated as a matter of public health, rather than criminal justice, but supply of drugs remains with criminals, and that poses big challenges for the police here on the streets. recently, this housing estate was a stronghold for dealers, then officers moved in. this area s been cleaned up. yeah. has that notjust pushed some of the problem elsewhere? definitely, because, well, let s put things this way. the police will not solve the social problem of drug addiction.
this is not only a place where people come to use drugs in a safe way. this is also an opportunity to bring people to the health facilities. this doctor designed portugal s drugs policy. does he think it would work in scotland? yes, i am completely convinced that is a good way to do. - would it save lives? yeah. yes. critics of decriminalisation say that it normalises dangerous drugs use and puts money in the pockets of criminals. is that fair? i don t agree at all. i think it s important - to assume that we are dealing with a health condition, - with a disease, and we do not criminalise other diseases. in portugal, consumption of drugs is treated as a matter of public health, rather than criminal justice, but supply of drugs remains with criminals, and that poses big challenges for the police here on the streets. recently, this housing estate