PROSECUTING DISTRIBUTORS BEST WAY TO STOP DRUG GANGS

One of the great things about living in a democracy is that even the
really bad ideas can be discussed and debated, and reason (hopefully)
can win out over nonsense.

In the letter Drug prohibition gives gangs life (SP, Mach 21), Mitch
Tarala tries to make a case for legalizing narcotics by saying that
it will effectively eliminate all of society's ills. These claims can
be easily refuted.

It is not entirely accurate to suggest that gangs charge whatever
they decide for the drugs they sell.

Like any other facet of a capitalist-based economy, the price of a
product reflects cost of production and there is a risk they can
price themselves out of the market. When law enforcement reduces
supply, however, this reduces competition and the reason for
inter-gang violence.

Besides, groups such as the Mafia, Hell's Angels, and other criminal
organizations are quite diversified. That's why Al Capone's
contemporaries weren't wiped out at the end of the alcohol prohibition.

To suggest legalizing drugs would reduce addiction rates and youth
access ignores our experience with tobacco and alcohol.

These two legally accessible yet controlled products are by far the
most common addictions and are easily accessible to youth.

While I can understand the debate to legalize marijuana, it is
unreasonable to want all narcotics legalized.

The real solution to the problem is to continue to educate youth on
the dangers of mind warping drugs, increase access to addictions
rehabilitation, and continue to hunt down and prosecute those who
produce and distribute these illegal products.

It is a remarkable abomination of logic to suggest that the
government supports criminal activity by opposing it.

Jonathan Sinclair

Saskatoon