SMART DRUG POLICY

Your Nov. 27, editorial ("Danger in Colombia") is misleading. First,
it should be noted that about one-third of the U.S. federal drug
control budget is spent on domestic demand reduction efforts,
compared with about 8 percent of the budget spent on international
supply reduction programs. A comprehensive drug strategy,
encompassing both supply and demand efforts, is necessary if we are
to win the battle against drug addiction, crime and violence.

Second, there can be no doubt that involvement of the Colombian
guerrillas and paramilitary groups in the drug trade threatens our
vital national interests. Since the guerrillas made the decision to
get directly involved in Colombia's drug trade, Colombia's drug
production has risen to record levels. Most of those drugs are
shipped directly to the streets of the United States. Drugs produced
by leftist guerrilla groups or rightist paramilitary groups are no
less dangerous to the health of our citizens or our national security
than drugs produced by criminals who claim no political affiliation.

Our assistance package for Colombia is designed to help the Colombian
government re-establish sovereign democratic control over the
drug-producing regions, within the framework of respect for human
rights, and regardless of the source of the threat. That outcome will
mean a reduction in the amount of dangerous drugs being shipped to
the United States. It will also mean greater opportunities for the
Colombian people to live in a democratic, peaceful, secure, and
prosperous environment.

Barry R. McCaffrey, Office of National Drug Control Policy Washington, D.C.