UK police officers want ecstasy to be re-classified
Senior British police officers want ecstasy to be downgraded to a class B drug.
Their drugs committee says it is not as dangerous as heroin or cocaine. Its chairman will give evidence to a select committee next month.
Mr Andy Hayman, chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers' drugs committee, said: "We need to achieve a balance of police resources focusing a greater priority on class A drugs.
"Acpo's submission to the Independent Inquiry into Drugs, based on the most up -to-date medical and scientific research, was that some drugs seem to be in too high a class, including ecstasy."
British Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett could be forced to review the drug's status, reports the Observer.
Mr Blunkett told the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee his thoughts were not to change the laws on ecstasy.
Mr Hayman said: "The reclassification of ecstasy may give the impression that it causes less harm and its policing has a lower priority. There are indications that this is not the case and Acpo remains committed to ensuring the fullest research and consultation is conducted."
If ecstasy were re-classified it would mean the sentence for possession of the drug would be cut from seven years to five years in jail and supplying would no longer merit a life sentence.
PA