SEIZURES DON'T CUT DRUG USE

Police deserve credit for skilful work in a regional investigation
that led to the seizure of assorted drugs and cash. And the discovery
of a crossbow, sword and ammunition in the raids are reminder of the
violence that accompanies drug dealing.

But police Chief Jamie Graham's assertion that seizures over the past
three months have "stemmed the flow of drugs into our community"
isn't borne out by any evidence.

Similarly, his claim that the latest seizure resulted in 1,800 fewer
drug deals seems unlikely.

Addicts need drugs. If one source of supply is blocked, another
emerges. The seizures might, for a day, make it slightly harder to
find cocaine. But probably not.

It's rare to move beyond anecdote on the effectiveness of drug
seizures. But in 2000, University of B.C. researchers were conducting
a seven-year study tracking 1,400 drug users on Vancouver's Downtown
Eastside. A police operation resulted in giant seizures of incoming
heroin -- 99 kilograms in Vancouver and 57 kilos in Toronto. That's
six million doses and police said it would put a serious dent in supplies.

The researchers tracked the seizures' impact on the streets and
published the results in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

There was no effect. Heroin was just as available; prices actually
fell slightly. Ten people died of overdoses in the month before the
seizure; an average of 13 a month died in the three months after the
seizure. Addicts committed the same crimes.

Police have to pursue criminals and deserve credit for effective operations.

But drug problems will not be solved -- or even eased -- by attacking
the supply side. As long as demand exists and big profits are
possible, the drugs will be available.

Harm reduction, treatment, education, prescription drug substitution
- -- measures that deal with demand -- are the only real hope for
reduced addiction, drug dealing and related crimes.