THE DRUG OFFICE RESPONDS

The Scripps Howard News Service story you published on Oct. 5, "Drug
czar's ad campaign investigated," is seriously in error and damages
the reputation of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and its
director. Neither the "drug czar" nor the office is a target of "a
criminal investigation." In fact, congressional inquiries into
expenses associated with the national youth anti-drug media campaign
follow the office's aggressive actions to protect the public purse.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy - not the General
Accounting Office - is responsible for withholding payment of
$18-million to other government agencies and private contractors
because the reasonableness and allowability of those costs have not
been established to the office's satisfaction. The office hired
outside experts to review business plans submitted by a contractor to
ensure cost effectiveness. ONDCP first called for an audit when it
noticed billing irregularities. The office is transferring contract
administration responsibilities from the Department of Health and
Human Services to another department in order to scrutinize costs more
closely.

ONDCP welcomes oversight of this vital drug-prevention effort. Since
its inception in 1998, adolescent drug-use rates have declined 21
percent. Americans can be proud of the campaign's success.

Janet L. Crist, chief of staff, Office of National Drug Control
Policy, Washington, D.C.