POT SEIZURES ARE POINTLESS

Regarding the news articles RCMP seize over 1,800 marijuana plants,
published in the Sept. 2 issue of the Victoria Star I would like to
ask what difference did this bust make? The answer is none.

The recent outdoor marijuana "eradication" efforts by police are
glaring examples of the futility of prohibition. Law enforcement
efforts are not "stemming the tide" or "taking a bite out" of drugs,
nor will they ever do so. It is all just an expensive show at
taxpayer expense to give the public the illusion that something is
being accomplished.

Why aren't journalists asking important questions, like: 1) Is there
evidence that these eradication efforts actually reduce the
availability of marijuana on the street? (the police say that is
their goal) 2) What percentage of the outdoor crops are police able
to destroy? 3) How much do these annual eradication efforts cost?
(diverted police resources, overtime pay, helicopter use and fuel)
Taxpayers have a right to know the answers to these questions.

This futile and expensive ritual will continue, year after year,
until we finally come to our senses and end cannabis prohibition.
Every major study on the cannabis issue has come to the same key
conclusion as the 2002 Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs:
"The continued prohibition of cannabis jeopardizes the health and
well-being of Canadians much more than does the substance itself."
(Cannabis: Our Position for a Canadian Public Policy, 2002 -
www.SenateReport.ca )

Every day that we delay the end of this corrupting, harmful policy
the deeper the tentacles of organized crime infiltrate into our
communities! Ending cannabis prohibition is definitely in Canada's
best interest.

Herb Couch

Nelson, B.C.