VIEW CRYSTAL METH SURGE WITH SKEPTICISM

I implore the Times Colonist and its readers to approach Victoria's crystal
meth "surge" with a skeptical disposition.

Here in Edmonton, the city appointed an independent commission to study our
problem. Police claims were found to be grossly overblown.

Take heed. Remember that police profit from prohibition. All the literature
of economics, sociology, political science and history suggests that drug
prohibition causes more crime and social strife than it solves. Yet police
still demand it.

Why? They get to clean up the mess with big budgets and new powers -- and
the taxpayer foots the bill. Victoria may or may not be seeing more meth
use, but Victoria cops are definitely seeing the prospect of more tax dollars.

Michael Cust,

Edmonton.