TACTICAL WIN IN REGIONAL DRUG WAR

Federal and state agents, with help from the Erie police, Pennsylvania
State Police, and the Erie County Sheriff's Department, arrested more than
30 people in a drug sweep. A total of 41 face charges. The agents
confiscated $1.6 worth of cocaine, marijuana, and anabolic steroids.

The arrests broke up two cooperating drug rings that had brought more than
$5 million in cocaine into the region, and which had ties to drug sources
in Florida and Canada.

This is a tactical victory, not a strategic one. The law of supply and
demand applies. Other criminals will no doubt try to satisfy the customers
of the now-defunct drug rings. But that is another, larger issue.In the
meantime, an extensive criminal enterprise has been shut down, and the
accused must face the courts.

The investigation also revealed that former Erie policeman Sean Perseo was
in contact with one of the principal figures arrested. Police agents
recorded Perseo's telephone calls to the accused drug dealer.

Perseo was not arrested in the drug probe. He says he did nothing illegal.
That is not the point. The evidence introduced at Perseo's trial for rape
last year (he was acquitted) shows such defects of character and judgment
that no one should want him to wear a badge again. Ever. This new
revelation is more of the same, something else that must be explained away.

Perseo must choose another career.