OH, BOY! ANOTHER DRUGS STORY TO SCARE THE PANTS OFF US

If there's one thing that has come from the drugs laws, it's that they have given the news media something to write about on unnewsy days. But how little of it stands up to scrutiny.

 For example, the Beeb's own File on 4 is touting a story from a 'leading youth charity', which - according to File on 4 - says that about 4,000 teenagers from London are being exploited and trafficked every year to sell drugs in rural towns and cities. 

'Known as county lines, gangs use children as young as 12 to traffic drugs, using dedicated mobile phones or lines,' says File on 4.

Does it make sense that gangs allegedly making millions from selling drugs would actually get kids to be salesmen and deliverers?

Later in their account, File on 4 gets to the astonishing claim by the 'leading youth charity'. What the charity's chief exec actually said - going by the report - is that 'a frightening number of young people are at risk of being involved in county lines dealing.

'We have started recording when we've got concerns,' the executive says.

To me that seems a million miles from the opener, that about 4,000 teenagers from London are being exploited and trafficked every year. 

Because I have been so punished by Tricky Dicky's laws, I can't help but notice the astonishing exaggeration that accompanies reporting that has much to do with that alleged world of drug selling. 

Even people not born entrepreneurs might spot that to get kids to sell - or deliver - drugs that carry such an allegedly high price has to be close to financial suicide. 

If a child comes to your door, and you happen to be of the type that wants drugs, are you likely to oblige a dear child asking for, what, £400 for the delivery? It's all against the law, so why not take the goods and just shut the door on the young face? 

I've mentioned before that in my early days in journalism, I used to report on these very shaky stories of drugs misuse. It was all unfathomable to me, but like a good junior reporter, I accepted what authority said. Eventually, though, I went off in search of the truth....

Continues on my blogs for my seafaring adventure and travel story, Sailing to Purgatory, here at SailingToPurgatory.com