News from the crazy world of intoxicology

Abstract

Bordering on hysteria The US Government is becoming increasingly agitated at drug-related developments in neighbouring countries. Senior Congress members have expressed alarm at the increase in smuggling activity on its border with Mexico, claiming that there is ‘significant’ evidence of corruption and even direct involvement amongst army and police personnel. Meanwhile, Mark Souder, chairman of the committee on drug policy, has warned Canadian politicians that any relaxation of cannabis laws would result in a crackdown on border controls, arguing that cannabis is ‘as dangerous as cocaine’. Earlier this year the Canadian Special Senates Committee on Illegal Drugs criticised current legislation and noted that possession of cannabis accounts for half of all drug charges. He expressed an interest in the UK’s partial liberalisation of cannabis laws. Canada’s Justice Minister has denied any intention to legalise cannabis but commented, ‘I believe it’s time for an open discussion about modernising the criminal justice system in this regard’. Something is rotten in the state of.... Meanwhile in Latin America, US anti-drug activity is becoming mired in controversy and claims of corruption. In Colombia, the US has welcomed the presidential installation of right-winger Alvaro Uribe and is already pressing him to agree immunity from prosecution for US personnel involved in anti-drug activity. Uribe has been left in little doubt that future military aid will depend on his decision. Some US politicians have expressed alarm at the appointment of long-time friend and supporter, Pedro Juan Moreno, as national security chief. On four separate occasions, the US has impounded shipments of potassium permanganate – essential for processing cocaine – bound for Moreno’s chemical factory in Medellin. In Peru, former state security chief Valdimiro Montesinos – once described by US State Department as, ‘a valued ally in the drug war, but no choirboy!’ – is languishing in prison charged with corruption and involvement in the drug trade. The Peruvian government, faced with widespread unrest and protests by peasant farmers, has suspended its coca eradication project. In Bolivia, wealthy businessman Gonzalo Sanchez de Lorada has been sworn in as president. The US had warned that appointment of his rival, Evo Morales, would result in suspension of aid. Morales, leader of Bolivia’s coca farmers and an opponent of Bolivia’s coca eradication programme, came close to winning the election but failed to secure an overall majority. Bolivia’s farmers have been angered by the