WAR ON DRUGS A LOSING BATTLE

While I agree with much of what is said in the Nov. 23 letter, "Kudos to
cops for drug war," (The Leader, Nov. 23), I suggest J. Reynolds' argument
is somewhat naive in its simplistic approach to the "war on drugs."

The war on drugs is a losing battle, just as prohibition of alcohol
ultimately failed to end crime and violence in the "roaring '20s."

No matter how we wage the war on drugs, and wage it we must, it still
remains a fact that freedom and prohibition are incompatible.

I do not profess to have the solution to the problem so I am not suggesting
either decriminalization or legalization.

But we can fill our jails to overflowing with those who deal in drugs at a
growing cost that will eventually be financially overwhelming, and we will
still have to deal with the crime and violence.

No matter how many "grow ops" are busted, those who deal in drugs will
simply move to another area or outwit the police with more sophisticated
operations to supply the demand.

The demand for drugs is what keeps the supply going.

Ken J. Marsh, Surrey