LEGAL DRUGS ARE THE ONLY SOLUTION

Fanny Kertzman, Colombia's ambassador to Canada, does not seem to
understand legalization of drugs, unlike Mexican President Vicente Fox
("Legalization of drugs 'not a choice for Colombia', " April 1).

The best reason for legalization is that it will reduce to zero the income
of drug lords. No money, no political power.

Drug lords' biggest fear is the legal sale of narcotics in drugstores. When
illegal, untaxed profit is removed from the drug trade, there is no
incentive to remain in business. Gone then would be the drug lords, the
dealers and biker gangs. Cocaine would rot in the Amazon jungle and bundles
of marijuana would slowly blow away in the Mexican desert.

Legalization is the only alternative our world can afford. No, Ms.
Kertzman, legalization will not make the drug lords stronger. What it will
do is go a long way in solving your country's problems with outlaws.

Jos. E. Hopwood