GROWING, SELLING DRUGS NOT VICTIMLESS CRIMES

People grow marijuana for profit. Criminals make or import drugs and
street dealers sell them for profit. Citizens buy drugs for recreation
or to satisfy an addiction.

Some use legitimate income, but many are obliged to either beg or
commit crimes to satisfy their needs. Thieves get approximately 10 to
25 cents on the dollar selling stolen property. Some addicts have a
$200- to $500-a-day habit, which means they steal a great deal of
property each day. Stolen property is being sold in beer parlours,
flea markets, yard sales, pawnshops, scrap dealers and other places of
business whose operators are not concerned with ownership.

Insurance companies replace stolen property at full price and those
without coverage have to do without or buy goods out of their own
pocket. Home owners and business people have had to increase security
and pay high insurance premiums with huge deductibles. The theft of
copper wire is getting out of control, causing loss of power or
communication and costly repairs. Copper plaques which often have
great sentimental value are stolen from cemeteries and other public
facilities.

All of this is a huge expense to society because a few citizens are
involved in drug use.

Those of us not in the business of growing, making, importing, selling
or using drugs are paying millions to try and control the drug trade.

Many families have been devastated due to drug use by a family member.
In addition, we are expected to provide housing and welfare for those
unable to function because of drug use, and free legal aid to make
certain they get a fair trial if and when they are arrested.

We are losing the battle.

I believe there are individuals with addictive personalities. Some use
alcohol socially or in moderation on a daily basis with no ill effect,
while others become alcoholics. Many enjoy gambling, but a few become
addicted and cannot stop. We all know smokers who quit, while others
find it impossible. These are just a few examples. The best time to
stop taking illegal drugs is before you start.

I do not care for the term "recreational drugs" as it tends to
minimize the danger involved. In my opinion using illegal drugs is as
recreational as bungee jumping without the cord.

According to a senior member of the RCMP drug squad, all drugs can be
purchased on the street, but the biggest concern for law enforcement
on the North Shore is "dial-a-dope" dealers who deliver to the door or
to a pre-selected location where an exchange can be made.

Illegal drugs are everywhere and use is spreading. It was recently
reported that as many as 10 women attending a party in Vancouver may
have unknowingly ingested a date-rape drug and could have been
sexually assaulted. This drug causes amnesia and incapacitates women
so they are unable to resist or even be aware of sexual activity. It
is unwise to accept drinks from strangers and glasses should not be
left unattended at parties or in nightclubs.

Being an undercover drug officer is a high-risk occupation and it can
have adverse effects on family relationships because of the nature of
the work. Many man hours and investigative expenses are involved
trying to arrest suppliers and organized crime figures.

Very few involved in the drug trade pay income tax. Importing, growing
and selling drugs are not victimless crimes. I wish someone would
explain this to the courts, lawmakers and those opposed to tougher
legislation.

Drug lords and those near the top of the drug business rarely get
caught and their main concern is how to legitimize huge amounts of
cash. In many cases police are unable to seize buildings, vehicles,
aircraft, vessels and other personal belongings as they are leased,
rented, in the name of other title holders or mortgaged to the hilt.
Cash and valuables are hidden. There is legislation in place to seize
money and property obtained by criminal activity but amounts recovered
fall far short of the overall cost.

Almost all crime, from petty theft to murder, is caused directly or
indirectly by illicit drugs. Politicians and authorities must find a
better way to get control before it destroys society as we know it.

The courts must start by dealing harshly with those that grow, import,
manufacture or sell illegal drugs.