October 23, 2012 - Puerto Rican actor and film producer Benicio del Toro is firmly of the view that the U.S Government needs to end their persecution of marijuana in order to bring illegal drug trade under control. The Fear And Loathing star, who recently also played a cartel boss in drug-war action-flick, Savages, believes marijuana should be controlled at a similar level to that of alcohol, with taxes and restrictions in place to curtail use and boost revenue. 

"I think that marijuana grows in the ground and helps many people in need." He told the Sydney Daily Telegraph last week. "Why should it be treated like it's a hell drug when it's not as bad as alcohol? If you drink a lot of alcohol and smoke a lot of marijuana, you are going to have to same problems. Why not control it and have the government tax it and use that money for good things?"