I WAS greatly interested and deeply concerned by comments about the terrible circumstances regarding the death of Adam Lowry after consuming a number of alleged Ecstasy tablets (October 7).

The family have my deepest sympathy over this awful situation.

I am aware that my views will offend some people but I am adamant that the Government's continued support of the black market through their policies is the main contributing factor in this death.

Statistically speaking, taking Ecstasy is safer than coarse fishing or playing Sunday league football. As your report states, Ecstasy manufacture is a cottage industry of criminals who couldn't care less what they are supplying as long as they make their profits.

A legal, controlled and regulated supply with proper advice on its use could have prevented this death.

The 'Just say no' and don't take drugs message has been re-iterated for more than 30 years and drug use has increased every year.

This has created more crime and more danger to people's lives as bad information is supplied and illegal drugs are mixed with all sorts of toxic substances.

The Government's continued failure to deal with supply will allow this to continue endlessly.

I do not condone the taking of illegal drugs per se, but let's get some realism into the debate. Drug taking is a fact of life, generally people take illegal drugs because they want to.

Every culture in every corner of the planet does so, it's part of who we are.

By far the most dangerous drugs are legal, with alcohol and tobacco,accounting for 150,000 deaths every year.

The more punitive the law becomes, the further underground the drug culture will be driven and more the potential for harm increases.

Steve Clements,

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance,

Church Street,

York.

Updated: 10:58 Monday, October 11, 2004