DRUGS A PROBLEM IN SUBURBS, TOO

The June 15 story about another big drug investigation to bust a major
pipeline to the Capital Region avoided questions of law enforcement
that would address the tough reality that drug prohibition doesn't
work.

All of these drug investigations are concentrated in the inner cities
while the wealthier suburban areas of upstate New York are ignored by
law enforcement. How long will it be before the next big drug
investigation is launched in the next inner city?

Statistically, there is as much drug use in the suburbs, but these
investigations are selectively enforced and the media never ask law
enforcement why. They merely report the number of arrests or the
amount of cash and drugs confiscated without reporting the cost of
these lengthy investigations to the taxpayer.

Even in the areas where these investigations are focused, the impact
is minimal as drug arrests continue to fill our prisons and courts.
Too many of our elected leaders have forgotten the lessons of alcohol
prohibition.

The facts show that this heavy hand of the law is centered on the
people with the least amount of money, influence or power. If our
scarce law enforcement resources were applied evenly in the cities and
suburbs in the war on drugs, alternatives such as regulating, taxing
and legalizing them would have a great deal more traction in the
public discussion.

WILLIAM AIKEN

Member, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Schenectady