ONE WIN IN THE DRUG WAR

Cocaine Supply In Cities Has Dropped, DEA Says

Finally, some good news regarding the international war on drugs. A
Drug Enforcement Administration analysis shows the cocaine supply in
more than two dozen large cities, including Nashville, has dropped.
Such cities serve as distribution sites for the rest of the country.

DEA intelligence agents are crediting a crackdown in Mexico by
President Felipe Calderon with the decrease. He sent in 3,000 troops
to break up two drug cartels that were engaged in a turf war.

Ninety percent of cocaine reaching the United States originates in Mexico.

About 2 million people in the United States reportedly are current
cocaine users, and more than half a million are arrested each year
for crimes involving cocaine or heroin.

As with most other products, supply and demand determine the price
of cocaine. In April 2005, a pure gram of cocaine sold for $93.63.
Two years later, the price had risen to $118.70. Dealers have been
adding other ingredients such as baby formula and sugar to stretch
their dwindling supplies.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson told the press that in the short term,
a drop in supply does create more violence as the dealers fight over
what is left. But for the long term, Jackson sees an opportunity to
get more people off drugs for good and to rebuild neighborhoods.

Let's give credit where credit is due. In the words of Tony Placido,
the DEA's intelligence chief, the Calderon government "is really
taking a tough stance, and it's really taking its toll on the
trafficking organizations."

Thanks to Mexico for cracking down and to everyone in this country
who is diligently working to keep drugs off the streets.