DRUGS SHOULD BE REGULATED

Editor, The News:

This is in response to the article "Two busted for drugs outside
Matsqui; one escapes."

This is a perfect example of how prohibition creates an extremely
lucrative black market for anyone willing to take the risk. Cannabis
and tobacco are currently being sold in prisons at the rate of $10 for
one-sixth of a gram rolled in a "pinner joint." At 454 grams per
pound, that is $27,240.

I would think some people would look at a jail sentence as going out
to the oil rigs to work for a few months: make mad money, meet new
people and learn some new skills that will carry them through life.

We haven't seen violence on the streets like we are sure to in the
coming months with police and government escalation of the rules of
engagement and no more money to pour into the stream. Something's got
to give.

There is no way to enforce our way to an end to drug use. We can only
shut down this ugly war with proper drug regulation and education.

Carol Gwilt