One of Britain's most senior police officers has criticised former drugs czar Keith Hellawell for his opposition to the reclassification of cannabis.

Mr Hellawell, who lost his high profile post last year, announced on Wednesday that he had quit as a part-time government drugs adviser.

He said the government was going "soft on drugs" after its decision to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug.

'Surprise'

But Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Blair said the former West Yorkshire Chief Constable was completely wrong in his thinking.

"I am a bit surprised really by Keith's position on this issue," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"We in the Metropolitan Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers fully support the reclassification of cannabis."

The Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the change on Wednesday.

Ian Blair 'surprised' at Hellawell's position

It followed a pilot scheme in Lambeth, south London, where police turned a blind eye to cannabis possession to spend more time cracking down on hard drugs.

Mr Hellawell argued that the decision to reclassify sent misleading messages to parents and children about the danger of cannabis.

Critics

Mr Blair said: "There is certainly a truth in that we have got to get our communication right.

"The Home Secretary was very clear yesterday - we are very clear - that cannabis remains a harmful drug.

"But the whole point here, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, is there is no point in telling young people that all drugs are equally awful."

Mr Blair answered critics, including London Labour MP Kate Hoey, who said that the pilot scheme led to an increase of drug dealers on the streets.

"There is certainly no evidence of drug tourism occurring in Lambeth - the people being arrested in Lambeth live in Lambeth," he said.

Defence

Mr Blunkett defended his decision on Thursday.

Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live, the home secretary was asked where people should buy cannabis.

He said: "They shouldn't, because it is illegal.

"Secondly, it is dangerous, but it is nowhere near as dangerous in terms of killing people as crack is or heroin, and it does not destroy people in the same way."