LOW DRUG COSTS TO BLAME?

The Herald's June 15 article on check and credit card fraud makes it clear
that Washingtonians view these crimes as non-serious crimes. So it is not
surprising that drug addicts engage in these non-serious crimes to feed
their habits.

What I don't understand is the Everett police spokesman's statement, "Part
of the problem is that drugs are so inexpensive." Are we to conclude that if
drugs become more expensive, addicts will be less likely to commit theft and
fraud?

Seems to me, the opposite is true. Ban anything -- whiskey, cigarettes,
guns, gambling, prostitution -- and watch the cost go up, and the crime rate
with it.

LULU MAKNOON Edmonds

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"