Tainted stars can help spread anti-drug message

Taiwan actor Kai Ko, who was detained for two weeks in August 2014 on drug-use charges, is among the "tainted talents". Photo provided to China Daily

IN AN INTERVIEW ON THE OCCASION OF the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Lan Weihong, an official with the China National Narcotics Control Commission, said on Sunday that showbiz celebrities have a big responsibility in the anti-drug campaign. He said those who used drugs can be given a second chance to restart their career as long as they have truly learned their lessons. Beijing Youth Daily commented on Monday:

Despite the consistent global efforts to curb the use and smuggling of drugs, an increasing number of teenagers are still willing to take a leap in the dark and use them.

Of course, the anti-drug official's recent comment will come as good news to those drug-using stars who are willing to change their ways. However, it will take more than words for them to be able to enter showbiz again.

Following the exposure of several celebrities' use of drugs, which is strictly forbidden, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued an order in 2014 banning all who have done such wrong from the business.

The order was undoubtedly a notable deterrent not only for performers, but also producers.

It is understandable that many are in favor of imposing harsh punishments for celebrity drug-users, although they generally tend to sympathize with people with drug issues. Yet, those public figures who admit the folly of their ways can be even more inspiring to teenagers.

In other words, they should be given a second chance to correct their wrongdoings in line with the anti-drug law if they have truly mended their ways.