End the war on drugs

The ‘war on drugs’ is a failure and must end. This controversial viewpoint will be put forward by a retired US undercover police officer at a free public talk at the University of Teesside.

Jack Cole will argue that during his time as a New Jersey narcotics officer he became convinced that death, disease, crime and addiction – the very things the war on drugs aimed to reduce – have increased under the current US policing policy. Mr Cole is the Executive Director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and regularly lectures around the world about what he sees as failings in the war on drugs.

The talk, which takes place from 10.00am – 11.00am on Wednesday 29 November, is free of charge and open to the public. It will be held in the Innovation Centre lecture theatre, off Stephenson Street, Middlesbrough.

Mark Simpson, Principal Lecturer in Criminology, said: “This lecture is very important and very timely. The debate about drugs is complex and I for one am very interested in hearing what Jack has to say about it. Having been an undercover cop and seen the ‘war’ from both sides, as a police officer and while posing as a drug dealer, he is a true authority on the subject. He will bring a unique viewpoint to the debate and I’m sure it will be a fascinating lecture.”

Media opportunity – Members of the media are invited to the Innovation Centre lecture theatre to hear Mr Cole’s talk and will be able to interview and film/photograph him at 11am. For further information, please contact Stephen Laing, press and public relations, on 01642 342962, email: s.laing@tees.ac.uk.

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