Star comment: New drug powers to be welcomed

And that's not before time. This newspaper reports all too frequently on the tragic consequences of substance abuse.

Lives are lost, families are wrecked and careers are ruined.

Innocent victims suffer the invidious effects of the criminality that becomes endemic among drug-taking groups.

Entire communities suffer blight.

Nothing good ever comes from substance abuse and addiction.

So plans to provide police with greater powers are welcome.

They come at a time when a minority of people are trying to circumvent the law by developing and selling legal highs.

Officers need to be able to tackle the plague of narcotics that corrode our well-being.

They need to take action not only to punish those who profit, but also to save those who are unable to save themselves.

And they need to be able to take preventative steps that will help communities who will otherwise suffer.

Taking drugs is a one-way ticket to trouble and members of the public can play a part by assisting officers. Providing information and support can help to rid local communities of the plague that negatively affects too many lives.