While loan sharks and pawnbrokers operate on the high street with impunity, as though they were legitimate businesses, drug dealers like Danny continue to be demonised. It doesn't seem fair. Danny (not his real name*) is keen to raise both the profile and reputation of a profession which, as he admits, too often gets a bad press.
“It was different in the Sixties”, he said. “Drug dealing was a more gentlemanly activity back then. A ‘quid deal’ was as big as a shoe-box, and grass was so plentiful it came in bales. These days we’re seen as the bad guys, but I’m not sure why. We offer great service, value for money and we deliver. We go wherever our customers are: pubs, clubs, schools. And we’ve taken a leaf out of the bookmakers’ book, in trying to attract - and maintain - a solid client base. With our ‘try before you buy’ option, the first hit is free.
“Quality control is important in this most competitive sector of the ‘self-medication’ market. To be awarded our high-as-a-kite-mark, junk has to be organic, fair-traded and responsibly sourced. There are known health risks with adulterated heroin, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Instead of cutting our drugs with flour or talcum powder or toilet cleaner, we want our customers to enjoy 100% narcotic goodness. This is the way to get repeat business.
“A regular supply of reasonably priced heroin re-prioritises our customers’ lives. Without the constraints of family life, they’re free to associate with people who share their interests. Without a roof over their heads, they get more fresh air. Without the responsibilities of regular employment, they have more free time to work 'cash in hand'. Time and ready cash: that’s all it takes to ensure they never again have to suffer from ‘heroin deficiency’. They can depend on their neighbourhood drug dealers. Whenever they need us, we’re there”...
* Real name Harry Scab, Flat 3b, round the back, knock three times, whimper quietly...