06.08.2012
Gustavo Petro, the mayor of Bogota, the capital of Colombia, suggested to set up specialized centers where drug addicts would buy and use psychoactive substances. He says that the open sale of cocaine is the least of the evils.
“The drug problem is widespread in Colombia,” he commented.
“We have to wrest people suffering from this vice from mafia’s grasp. It’s necessary to give them a chance to remain law-abiding citizens, not making them involved into the activity of drug dealers.. Serious patients can receive drug injections to ease their pain. Why can’t we let a person suffering from drug addiction to buy a drug legally for the same purpose?”
Gustavo Petro clarified that he speaks only about drug sale controlled by the government, and drug use should be allowed only on the territories of selling outlets.
Bogota's Health Secretary Guillermo Jaramillo supported the initiative. According to him, it’s necessary to set up not only centers of drug sale, but also mobile centers where drug addicts could be treated on voluntary basis.
