CRACK DOWN ON DRUG SUPPLIERS

The Issue: Drugs

Our opinion: The first line of defense against illegal drug use is parents.

The leader of the Porter County Drug Task Force had an honest, but
disheartening, message in the aftermath of the recent $70,000 drug bust in
Valparaiso: The demand will not diminish.

Robert Taylor said people will just find somewhere else in the county
to buy marijuana. High-profile drug busts such as the one in which
officers seized the high-grade marijuana are not a deterrent.

Consider these statistics: Two years ago, there were 150 drug-related
defendants; last year, 170. So far this year, officers have made 140
arrests, and the year is barely half over.

Taylor is adamant about prosecuting the dealers and suppliers, but he
also advocates a long-term drug treatment education center in the county.

Yes, there is a need for such drug treatment centers. Often, such drug
interdiction efforts on behalf of first-time offenders are more
effective than jail time.

But that is not the only solution to the problem that is destroying
lives, families and communities.

Law enforcement officials must find the suppliers of drugs, not just
those who are selling them. In the Valparaiso case, police still are
trying to trace the supplier of the marijuana. The suppliers must be
vigorously hunted down and prosecuted.

Schools also have a responsibility to include anti-drug education
programs in their curriculum.

The first line of defense against illegal drug use, however, is the
family. Parents must begin educating their children about the dangers
of drugs. They must monitor their children's activiites and friends.
Most of all, they must set the proper example so their children follow
in their footsteps.

Your opinion, please

What is the best deterrent against illegal drug use?

Share your thoughts at www.nwitimes.com/youropinion.