WAR ON DRUGS HELPS FILL POCKETS OF ORGANIZED CRIME

I read Mark Tonner's column lamenting the criticism of the war on drugs.

It is sad to see Tonner wallowing in his ignorance on the topic of these
so-called illicit drugs.

Tonner does not understand that by continuing to criminalize drugs, he is
supporting the black-market markup on their initial low value.

Unwittingly, Tonner supports organized crime when he advocates for
continued criminalization of drugs like cocaine, marijuana and ecstacy, as
the high profits gained from the buying and selling of these drugs goes
right to organized crime.

Legalization is the most efficient and non-violent way to fight organized
crime. Take away their money.

Lastly, when he stated that prescribing cocaine to addicts in any amount
would certainly cause psychotic behaviour, Tonner was fulfilling a role
that would be better taken by a medical professional. What does any police
officer really know about the effects of any drug on the body?

There is no question addicts do exist on the streets, and they are serious
cases. But most users never end up there.

Hopefully, Tonner will surprise us all and get better informed.

Jim Leslie,

Langley