DRUG ADDICTION REQUIRES DOCTORS, NOT THE POLICE

I would like to reply about the article in your paper on March 5: "Apparent
meth lab found in St. George." The Washington County Drug Task Force
uncovered a meth laboratory in St. George. The Health Department apparently
said that the home was fit for occupancy. The Health Department determined
the lab was located in a shed behind the home, and that the lab was not
operating at the time of the bust.

St. George Police Spokesman Craig Harding stressed residents near the home
were in no danger. Harding said additional charges may be forthcoming, and
charges may be pursued for child endangerment. Does this suggest that the
items found in the shed are only dangerous to children? I do not promote
the use of meth by any means, but reports show that meth use is on the rise
in Utah.

Drug addiction is something that must be treated by our medical
professionals, not by cops, prosecuting attorneys or judges. The drug war
is the most failed policy in the history of the United States. How many
more lives must we see being destroyed?

Maybe it's time we look at legalization and regulation as a more humane
approach to the end of this war on drugs.

Ken Scarbrough, founder, Utah Marijuana Party

LaVerkin