ONE has to wonder if the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg has lost his marbles over the foolish idea not to have police arrest cannabis users or minor growers (Echo, July 21).

I thought it was an offence in itself to knowingly turn a blind eye when a criminal offence is taking place, but to knowingly turn a blind eye to a criminal offence taking place Mr Hogg knows the law very well, as he is a former senior police officer.

After years of tax payers’ money being spent on campaigning to stamp out cannabis and drug use, Mr Hogg wants to just forget about the use of a drug which carries a potential sentence of five years in prison and/or a fine.

I think every right-minded person knows from the studies that have been undertaken, that cannabis use leads to harder drugs, which is the downward step to further crime and, yes, even death.

Why does not Mr Hogg get this?

His job is to ensure, through the officers of Durham police, that the public of Durham are safe and, even more vital, the children of Durham are safe from drug dealers who will do anything to fill their pockets at the expense of the young. These children might try cannabis for fun, but then end up later in a police station, or dead.

Would you like this on your conscience, conscious Mr Hogg?

John Merry, Darlington