Switzerland considers legalization of hard narcotic as alternative to war on drugs

Law-makers in the Swiss capital, Bern, could be about to allow the sale of small amounts of cocaine for recreational use.

A proposed pilot scheme, similar to a current trial allowing cannabis to be sold in pharmacies, is being considered by the city's governing council, according to Sky News.

Bern's parliament has supported the idea, but it would still need to overcome opposition from the city government and would also require a change in national law.

Eva Chen, a member of the Bern council from the Alternative Left Party who co-sponsored the proposal, said: "The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas".

"Control and legalisation can do better than mere repression. We are still far away from potential legalisation, but we should look at new approaches. We are calling for a scientifically supervised pilot scheme trial", she explained.