CUTTING THE DRUG SUPPLY RAISES COSTS, FOSTERS CRIME

The Sun recently reported that police from three Maryland counties seized
40 kilograms of cocaine ("Police say area drug operation uncovered," March 14).

This means that the supply of cocaine has gone down. But, as the demand
remains the same, the price will rise.

This means addicts will commit more burglaries and muggings to pay for
their habits. I thought that the police were supposed to fight crime, not
cause it to increase. But, as with alcohol prohibition, that's the main
effect of drug prohibition.

Henry Cohen
Baltimore