IN THE TRENCHES

As a retired police officer who worked the trenches of the drug war, I
was grateful that Jerry Seper did not say that putting Francisco
Javier Arellano-Felix in prison for life will make any difference in
the availability of prohibited drugs ("Ex-cartel leader to be
sentenced on drug charges," Nation, Monday). That was refreshing. We
in law enforcement know (but won't tell unless you ask) that every
drug dealer shot or arrested is quickly replaced. The only net effect
of this drug dealer's being put behind bars for life is that more than
a million tax dollars will be wasted. Will we ever be as wise as our
grandparents and end this new Prohibition?

HOWARD J. WOOLDRIDGE

Education specialist

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Washington