WAR ON TERROR STIFLES DRUG TRADE; DOPE PRICES SOAR

The War On Terror After Sept. 11 Has Created Collateral Damage - In The
Drug Trade.

Lt. Hank Smith, director of the Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish,
said some local drug dealers have said since the Sept. 11 attacks that
marijuana is selling at a higher price on the streets.

Metro detective David May said local drug dealers are saying the amount of
drugs entering the country is significantly lower than usual due to
tightened security measures and tougher screening procedures along the
United States borders.

"Some drug dealers that we've arrested are telling us that it's harder to
get large shipments of drugs into the country, resulting in a shortage of
drugs, such as marijuana.

"And in order for drug dealers to make up the difference, they're having to
charge customers more money," May said.

Demetrius Cane of Monroe said he's been smoking marijuana for about five
years and said he's definitely noticed an increase in marijuana prices in
the city.

"I could remember when I could take a five (dollar bill) and get a dime
sack and be straight for the night, but that's not the case anymore and I'm
kind of upset about it," Cane said.

Smith said in most cities around the country, the price for a quarter-ounce
of marijuana, known on the streets as a dime sack, costs $10, "but in this
area, the price was around $6 or $8.

"Now dealers are telling us that the price for a dime sack has gone up to
$10 or $12 since the attacks."

Cane said the dime sack is usually what he and some of his friends buy on
the weekends.

"That's what most people buy anyway, because it's cheap," Cane said.

Smith said the price for an ounce of marijuana costs

about $120.

He said a pound of marijuana, which is referred to on the streets as an
elbow, has a street value of anywhere from $800 to $1,200.