Why are drug dealers considered to be "non-violent"

As a consequence of prison overcrowding, the government has had to release over 1,000 prisoners early. We were assured that only "non-violent" prisoners were being considered for release. Apparently this also includes drug dealers.

Since when have drug dealers been considered "non-violent"? They sell lethal drugs to the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community, including children, and destroy lives in the process. Will the government also be releasing those who possess child pornography? After all, many of these are also "non-violent" criminals.