DISSING THE DEA

As a former special agent in charge serving in South America,
Thailand, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, and with over 35
years experience in all phases of narcotic enforcement, I take
exception to Bill Steigerwald's column criticizing the Drug
Enforcement Administration for becoming a "bloated, self-preserving
federal bureaucracy whose power, budget and continuing existence bear
no relation to its performance" ("35 years of drug war failure", July
13 and PghTrib.com).

The DEA doesn't waste valuable time arresting pot smokers and
perpetrators of victimless crimes.

Fifty high-ranking Mafia families, Gambino, Genevese and Ormento,
were all arrested and jailed in New York for drug trafficking and
conspiracy.

Undercover operation "French Connection" arrested Auguste Ricord for
conspiracy and importing multi kilos of heroin into the U.S. This
case was made as a result of DEA cooperation with the French and U.S.
police in New York and with Interpol.

Timothy Leary, the guru of LSD, was charged with illegal
manufacturing of the drug and setting up numerous labs nationwide.

In San Francisco, 40 Hell's Angels were arrested and charged with
drug and racketeering charges.

The DEA in cooperation with foreign diplomats and law enforcement
officials caused the extradition of numerous Mafia drug traffickers
from Thailand, South America, Mexico and Europe.

Mr. Steigerwald made no mention of numerous DEA, state, local and
foreign agents who lost their lives fighting the drug wars.

And it should be noted that the responsibility of setting U.S. drug
policy enforcement and intelligence gathering lies with the DEA, FBI,
U.S. Customs, CIA, U.S. Coast Guard, State Department, Congress, the
White House and state and local law enforcement agencies.

I agree with Mr. Steigerwald that the marijuana laws should be
decriminalized, but that would take the White House's and Congress'
approval.

Daniel J. Addario

New Bern, N.C.