COMMON CRIME

The crimes are becoming all too frequent. The other day another holdup at a
pharmacy occurred. The alleged perp wanted OxyContin.

OxyContin is a legal drug prescribed for chronic pain. Its abuse in rural
areas has attracted national attention. As crime associated with the misuse
of the drug spreads to Richmond and other cities, the OxyContin experience
challenges supporters of relaxed drug laws.

Almost no one argues that drugs such as cocaine and heroin should be sold
over-the-counter and without rules. Indeed, one argument in favor of
drug-law reform holds that decriminalization or legalization would lead to
more effective regulation. The state, not the pusher, would exercise control.

OxyContin suggests the restrictions applying to prescription drugs have not
prevented crime, abuse, and personal tragedy. People will break the law to
get what they want and in the process are willing to hurt others and
themselves. Unless all drugs are provided free, and to all asking for them,
there always will be a market to supply them at cheaper rates and to those
who can't obtain them by legal means. Addiction, moreover, leads certain
individuals to do things they otherwise would not.

If the neighborhood pharmacy stocked not only potent prescription drugs but
smack and crack ready for mainlining and free-basing, as well as other
crutches favored by the lost, the moronic, and the depraved, then 24-hour
security would have to be tighter than at an airport or Fort Knox.