IN DEFENSE OF THE MARIJUANA BUSTS

Re "As fires rage, the law protects us from marijuana," July 1: Peter
Schrag's commentary on marijuana is short-sighted on many levels. For
example, he suggests that law-enforcement agencies disregard
large-scale marijuana cultivation because he doesn't perceive the
imminent danger to our communities. Unfortunately, Mr. Schrag hasn't
followed the news for the past two years.

Specifically, heavily armed drug gangs are invading California's once
pristine forest land and stripping away the lush vegetation to clear
space for marijuana cultivation. In turn, sophisticated crime
syndicates are creating indoor marijuana factories in nearby, quiet
residential neighborhoods, dumping toxic fertilizers and assorted
chemicals into the otherwise clean community water systems.

These surreptitious activities pose serious health risks to
unsuspecting residents, including children attending local schools.
They should not be ignored, and they cannot be tolerated.
Accordingly, the Drug Enforcement Administration regards these
illegal incursions by drug profiteers as a clear and present danger
to our national well-being.

Adopting a permissive attitude toward the marijuana trade will lead
to three immediate consequences. First, it will encourage more
involvement by organized crime. Second, it will lead to greater
devastation of our natural environment. Third, it will further
endanger the long-term health of our younger citizens. Click here to
find out more!

- - Gordon Taylor, Sacramento

Special Agent in Charge,

DEA Sacramento Office