PUT AN END TO DRUG PROHIBITION

As a retired police officer, I read with interest your Nov. 18 opinion
piece, "Time to find new ways to fight drugs," advocating safe-injections
sites for drug addicts.

The three co-authors are correct when they say safe-injection sites are far
more effective than the law enforcement in fighting drug addiction.

In my professional experience, I have learned every drug dealer ever
arrested or killed is replaced within days. Drugs are cheaper, stronger and
easier to buy than 30 years ago. The time and money we and the prison
system spend on drug prohibition is a complete waste.

Worse, prohibition efforts mean less time spent looking for real criminals
like drunk drivers and rapists. All drug use and abuse should be dealt with
by doctors and clinics, not police and prisons.

Howard J. Wooldridge

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc)

Dallas, Tex.