PERPETUATING DRUG USE

In the Jan. 29 article, "Initiative would cost law enforcers millions in
drug forfeiture money," Tucson Police Capt. Kermit Miller said: "The drug
dealers pay to run MANTIS," or the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Trafficking
Interaction Squad.

You see, it isn't about stopping drugs; it's about jobs and toys, such as
500 high-tech, bullet-proof vests for $120,000, or about $2,200 each. (At
that price they better be able to stop incoming missiles!)

The police want to spend 75 percent of the money on themselves and 25
percent of the money on programs that might really work, like education and
rehabilitation.

Are there fewer drugs out there now or are there more? Is there less crime?
Are fewer drugs coming across the border? Are drugs more expensive and
harder to get due to short supply?

Does the Tucson Police Department really want to see an end to drugs in
Tucson? Yes? But then who would fund MANTIS and what would they do with all
those high-tech vests?