Chilean Senator: Prosecuting Legal Drug Use Feeds Narco-Trafficking

Senator Gastón Gazmuri of Chile is making a strong case against the criminalization of legal drug consumption, asserting that such policies inadvertently push vulnerable patients directly into the clutches of drug traffickers. He argues that viewing drug use solely through a criminal lens fails to address the underlying health issues associated with addiction.

Gazmuri contends that when individuals seeking to consume drugs, even if legally obtained or for medical reasons, face prosecution, they are forced underground. This pushes them away from legitimate healthcare channels and support systems, making them susceptible to exploitation by illicit networks. The senator believes this approach is counterproductive to public health goals.

Instead, Gazmuri advocates for a paradigm shift, urging a focus on a public health strategy. He suggests that treating drug use as a health matter, rather than a crime, would allow for more effective interventions, harm reduction measures, and support for individuals struggling with addiction. This approach, he argues, would better protect both individuals and society.

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If legal drug consumption is prosecuted, patients are taken into the hands of the narco.