WAR ON DRUGS LENGTHY BATTLE

It's an age-old battle: the police against those drawn to a seemingly
lucrative life of drug dealing.

Last year city cops made a few strides forward in that battle, making it a
little harder to succeed in that lifestyle. As detailed by Craig Albrecht's
story on page A3, the results of Project Addict, police reported Tuesday on
a year-long crackdown on major drug traffickers and marijuana growers.

According to police, 102 criminal charges against 35 people, with a total of
more than $685,000 in drugs and drug money seized, was the result of that
project.

Police say, however, that the project likely did little to halt a growing
problem.

That may be true. In many ways police have the deck stacked against them.
Dabbling in the sales of illegal drugs is a way to get quick- and usually
large- amounts of money.

Punishments doled out by the courts are often not enough to serve as a
deterrent. As well, Lethbridge is in close proximity to Calgary, making it
easy for dealers to gain access to any drugs they may see a demand for in
the area.

But they have to be credited for not giving up the fight. Project Addict is
just one example of initiatives which, if approached with determination and
grit, will eventually turn the tide in favour of the cops.

After all, 102 charges were laid during Project Addict - for offences that
people may otherwise have gotten away with.

We believe that any stride made toward eliminating the sale of illegal drugs
in our city is a stride worth making, no matter how small.

Way to go, Lethbridge Police Service.