SECRET MONEY

Ronnie McDaniel (Letters, Feb. 22) asks a pertinent question: Where does
the money go that is seized when accounts are frozen and people are raided?
If it is a small-scale bust, it goes back into the coffers of the law
enforcement agencies that conducted the raid. If it is a major operation,
such as the one the CIA conducted during the Iran- Contra affair, it
probably goes to support some form of oppression against a Third World
nation. If you think this is not the case, please read about the
Iran-Contra affair. The CIA officially has admitted to trading drugs for
arms and then lying about it.

What people most need to understand is that because this money is
unaccounted for, it remains illegal. Drug money provides to the U.S.
government a form of funds that never have to show up in the budget.
Therefore, those who preach about "accountability standards" for our
government should consider some eventual modification of our drug laws.

Raymond P. Carlson

(Redwood City, Calif.)