DRUG WAR ONLY INCREASES PROFIT IN TRAFFICKING

Regarding Stebbins Jefferson's May 27 column, "Raid nabs drug
soldiers, not generals": Operation Magnum Force was no doubt
well-intended, but it ultimately was counterproductive. Attempts to
limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only
increase the profitability of drug trafficking.

For addictive drugs such as heroin, a spike in street prices leads
desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed their habits.
The drug war doesn't fight crime; it fuels crime.

European countries are embracing harm reduction, a public health
alternative based on the principle that both drug abuse and
prohibition have the potential to cause harm.

Examples of harm reduction include needle exchange programs to stop
the spread of HIV, marijuana regulation aimed at separating the hard
and soft drug markets and treatment alternatives that do not require
incarceration as a prerequisite. Unfortunately, fear of appearing
"soft on crime" compels U.S. politicians to support a failed drug war
that ultimately subsidizes organized crime.

ROBERT SHARPE, policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington