Sir: As a chemist, I found your article on black cocaine (report, 8
September) to be particularly amusing. Heavy-handed government agencies are
fighting an unjust war against plants and plant by-products that are in
high demand. It stands to reason that producers and consumers will seek
better alternatives in concealment.

For the past few years, I have been studying biochemistry and believe
that all the tools needed to end this vicious war on drugs are in the
hands of scientists. We have the means available to find the genes
responsible for production of almost any chemical in plants. We can
now copy these genes and introduce them into other plant species (yes,
we call it cloning). In a few short years, the drug warriors could be
attempting to eradicate new varieties of maize; let's call them
"corncaine" and "cornijuana".

The governments fight with lies, coercion, and violence. The
intellectuals fight with ideas and information. History will choose
the victor.

Danny Terwey, Santa Cruz, -- California