DEATH FOR ECSTASY?

The recently approved Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 which seeks to punish
with death anyone caught with at least 10 grams of Ecstasy will prove
to be ineffective in alleviating the problem of drug addiction in the
country.

First of all, I am neither an ecstasy user nor a drug dealer. I am not
an "Ecstasy" advocate or a potential user of methylenedioxymethamphetamine
or MDMA, nor am I praising the Senate for its "harsher drug bill."

Without doubt, drug addiction is a menace to society. But I don't
believe that to deprive someone of his life for carrying at least 10
grams of Ecstasy is a practical and just solution. Ecstasy means
death? Does this mean death for the senator's kids? Movie stars? Or
just the users in the streets?

We may put to death a thousand or more drug users but as long as the
drug suppliers continue to get protection from the PNP and influential
government officials, drug addiction and trafficking will continue to
destroy our youth. Let's face it, in our present political and
justice system, the "big fish" are often out of the picture.
Seized drugs get lost or are stolen not only by scalawags in the
police force but also by some influential government officials.

I suggest that instead of creating a harsh drug law, the government
should first clean up and strengthen our law enforcement agency such
as the PNP.

At the very least, I firmly believe that drug addiction is a disease
and not always a crime. We need to face the problem not with a harsh
drug law nor a zero-tolerance policy but proper counseling, guidance
and support.

The government should seek the support of NGOs, volunteers and student
organizations to do drug awareness campaigns and to help victims of
drugs recover.

Maricris S. Ferrer,

Quezon City