Sir Ian Gilmore, the outgoing president of the Royal College of Physicians has said that crime can be reduced and health can be improved by decriminalizing drug use.

He added that drugs need to be regulated and the law on misuse of drugs should be reviewed.

He stated that after seeing dirty needles causing the problem and contaminated drugs, he thought this. He stated this in an e-mail to 25,000 RCP members.

According to the government this approach was not right.

Sir Ian stated in the mail that finishing his presidency on a controversial note was what he felt like.

He gave the example of a write up that stated that corruption was fuelled, organized crime was being encouraged and public health was being harmed by the policy of prohibition.

Sir Ian said, "Everyone who has looked at this in a serious and sustained way concludes that the present policy of prohibition is not a success. There are really strong arguments to look again."

He added that he was more inclined to this subject due to his won experience as a liver specialist.