{
  "id": 12811263,
  "title": "The Billion Euro industry that needs to be nationalised",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/the-billion-euro-industry-that-needs-to-be-nationalised",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T06:32:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Leader",
    "slug": "the-leader",
    "url": "https://theleader.info/2026/10/08/the-billion-euro-industry-that-needs-to-be-nationalised/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent article, the author argues that illegal drugs should be legalised and regulated, rather than remaining in the hands of criminal gangs. The case for this argument is strengthened by the fact that prohibition has consistently failed, as seen in the history of alcohol prohibition in the 1930s in America. The author cites Dr. Brendan Fennessy, a consultant from Tallaght University Hospital, who has provided startling updates on the dangers of cocaine use when it is mixed with other substances. The author suggests that bringing drug use under regulation would improve the safety of users, reduce the burden on police resources, and improve the overall well-being of society.\n\nThe author also draws attention to the fact that drug use is not a modern phenomenon, with evidence of its use by ancient humans going back 10,000 to 20,000 years. They argue that the criminalisation of drugs has not stopped use and has made the habit more dangerous, as individuals are less likely to seek help when their behavior is criminalised. The author believes that regulation would allow for better control over the supply, quality and labeling of drugs, and provide better support for addicts seeking to quit. They suggest that the revenue generated from regulating the drug industry could be used to fund clinics, hospital units and rehabilitation centres, as well as promote education and the development of sporting facilities.",
  "summary": "We penned a piece here many years ago under the heading; ‘Time to Separate the Drugs from the Thugs’. I remember making a strong case at the time as to why illegal drugs should be made legal – and most importantly; taken out of the hands of ruthless criminal gangs. We made the case that […] The post The Billion Euro industry that needs to be nationalised appeared first on The Leader - The No. 1…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}