IN JAIL FOR DRUGS

To the Editor:

Re "New York's Harmful Drug Laws" (editorial, May 12): You make a plea
for reform of the state's strict drug laws and mandatory sentencing
structure.

People caught with large quantities of cocaine or heroin or in the act
of selling these drugs are not simply victims of a powerful addiction;
they deserve no breaks from the strict current measures.

What you do not say in your editorial is that the great improvement in
the quality of life in New York City between 1980 and 1999 coincides
with the increase in imprisonment of drug dealers. Perhaps the price
for a safer, more livable city amounts to the high costs necessary to
keep those who choose to deal drugs off our streets.

WADE STONE
New York, May 12, 2000