Courts Too Lenient with Celeb Drug Addicts?

03/05/2008 at 08:30 AM EST

Courts Too Lenient with Celeb Drug Addicts?
Amy Winehouse
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
The United Nations is slamming prosecutors worldwide for letting high-profile drug users off the hook, according to a new report on global narcotics trends.

"The fact is that when a celebrity uses drugs, he or she breaks the law," the U.N. International Narcotics Control Board's Hamid Ghodse told a news conference in London Wednesday, Reuters reports. "Young people are quick to pick up on ... perceived leniency."

Although he refused to name specific celebrities, London is home to several stars who would seem to fit the bill.

Amy Winehouse and Kate Moss have both been videotaped allegedly using hard drugs – crack and cocaine, respectively – but neither were charged. (The Winehouse investigation is still pending.) Pete Doherty, meanwhile, has been busted for narcotics possession numerous times, but has avoided substantial jail time.

The apparent double standard, Ghodse added, "makes people become cynical about drug enforcement."

Your Reaction

Follow Us

On Newsstands Now

Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Brad's Devotion: The Inside Story
  • Oklahoma Tornado: Heroic Rescues
  • Michael Douglas on Catherine's Health

Pick up your copy on newsstands

Click here for instant access to the Digital Magazine

Advertisement

From Our Partners

Watch It

Editors' Picks

From Our Partners