DRUG SQUADS PROTECT THEIR OWN TURF

Re: "Ottawa's pot stand hurts war on drugs: police," Journal, Feb. 7.

If deputy police chief Mike Bradshaw were truly concerned about the
social harms surrounding illegal drug use, he would be calling for the
full legalization of all drugs -- not quibbling over
decriminalization.

Prohibition of any substance -- drug or otherwise -- necessarily
involves violent criminal groups. When there are no courts to mediate
business disputes, and no police to protect property, violence becomes both
a competitive advantage and a logical way to resolve disputes.

Also, as police arrest drug dealers, they reduce the supply of drugs,
thus causing the price to artificially rise. This scenario leads to
property crime, as addicts steal to pay for a fix.

But these economic realities are the least of the police department's
worries -- it is concerned with a much different economic reality. A
large portion of the city police budget is designated for fighting the
crime that comes with drug prohibition. If Ottawa eventually legalizes
drugs, this make work project for cops would be over, forcing police to
downsize. And the police wouldn't want that, would they?

Michael Cust,

Edmonton