TOUGH TALK

To the editor:

Re: Caning Law Sits Well With Incoming Police Chief, Feb. 19.

As a former assistant superintendent of police in Singapore, I have
unique insights on incoming police chief Julian Fantino's gutsy
comments that Canada should adopt Singapore-style drug laws.

Singapore is the most successful country in the world in reducing drug
trafficking and addiction. It is also one of the most crime-free
countries. As part of its total strategy, Singapore has had to execute
fewer than 100 drug dealers since the 1970s. The concept of "hanging"
100 drug dealers over a span of 30 years, even for marijuana, may
shock some Canadians. But consider that hundreds of thousands of
productive youth had been saved from deterioration into drug
addiction, misery and possibly death over that period. And today
Singapore has less need to execute drug dealers. Most criminals are
now deterred from dealing drugs.

TONY LEE
Mississauga, Ont.