POLICE CAN'T WIN WAR ON DRUGS

To the editor:

Letter writer Robert Sharpe aptly notes what your own editorial board
also observed ("Drug war wastes resources," Aug. 31). The so-called
"drug war" is a failed policy that does little or nothing to achieve
its professed goal of reducing drug abuse or reducing the level of
illegal drug trafficking.

Police agencies have never been able to adequately respond to the
deluge of illegal drug dealing under a system of criminal prohibition.
The obscene profits guaranteed by an illegal market will always result
in outmanned and outgunned police. Additionally of course, such
enforcement tactics increase the potential for violence erupting in
our neighborhoods.

A growing number of police and judges -- current and retired are thus
calling for an end to the so-called drug war. They have organized as
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc). The members of LEAP
believe it is urgent that risky and volatile drugs be subject to
regulation, but know that is impossible when the drugs are illegal and
distribution is controlled by anonymous and criminal dealers.
Regardless of how many Texans the police arrest for illegal drug
dealing, the industry is guaranteed to flourish under a system of
prohibition.

We were smart enough to put Al Capone out of business in 1933. It's
time to put 21st century illegal drug dealers out of business as well.
Interested parties should consider checking out LEAP and if so
inclined, lend their support to our non-profit educational effort.

STEPHEN HEATH

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Clearwater, FL