I AGREE with Philip Morris (June 17) that drug addiction is no defence when committing a crime.

My view of drug addicts (and that includes smokers and alcoholics too!) is that they are stupid, weak-willed and irresponsible and their self-indulgent activities cost "society" an enormous amount in time and money.

But having said that, we all have our weaknesses and these particular ones are exploited for all they're worth by both individuals and organisations, for example, on-street drug-pedlars, cigarette manufacturers and breweries.

Drug addicts must have their regular fixes and since these cannot be obtained legally they must be got via "underground" sources, ie, the black market at exorbitant prices that are way beyond their means. Crime is therefore their only "lifeline".

This does not in any way excuse their criminality, but before condemning them it might be worthwhile pondering on the following scenario: What do you suppose would happen to crime levels if tobacco were to be reclassified as a Class A drug (and alcohol) and were therefore made illegal too?

Distasteful as it might appear, it is time that the matter of legalisation of all drugs is discussed fully and openly, for without having a mature debate on all the alternatives it is unlikely that we as a nation will ever get anywhere near to solving this immense problem.

Mike Openshaw, by email.