The Sun's editorial "Drug addiction fuels murderous trend" discussed
the different drug-treatment approaches advocated by Lt. Gov. Kathleen
Kennedy Townsend and Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke. But neither
approach would substantially reduce drug-related crime and law
enforcement costs because they would be compromised by failed U.S.
drug policy.

Paradoxically, the federal drug prohibition has given adults and
minors easy access to adulterated but expensive drugs -- promoting
addiction, criminality, incarceration and bad health.

The federal government should reduce its presence in drug policy. It
repealed alcohol prohibition after its ruinous consequences became
apparent. Alcohol-use policy administered by the states has been a
marked improvement.

Repealing federal laws prohibiting drugs would allow the states to
seek health-based solutions to drug abuse and reduce the costs
connected with the punitive approach.

Kevin Fansler, Havre de Grace