I'll contend that many users of illegal substances are not criminals according to a fair definition of the word "criminal." We've talked about the differences between certain drug addicts in the Philippines and those in other countries, but my contention remains: many users of illegal substances are not guilty of actual crime (e.g., theft, murder, rape, etc.) They should be left alone until they are.
Anyway, I'm one such person, since I responsibly benefit from God's good gift of cannabis. Anyone who would put me in jail for it is the real criminal, and hence, both Philippine and U.S. governments are criminal organizations. The drug war does not accord with true justice, no matter what country it's in.
By the way, I've used many hard and harmful drugs in the past (e.g. cocaine, heroin, etc.), but I don't anymore. I care too much about my health and sanity. However, I do appreciate cannabis, alcohol (in moderation), and a responsible usage of certain hallucinogens, such as LSD or psilocybe mushrooms.
RE: Poverty and SHABU or cystal meth...