CAN'T STOP DRUG SCOURGE

Regarding a recent letter entitled "The debate goes on," as a police
officer for more than 35 years I can say I never have used or
knowingly tolerated anyone who uses a "mind-altering drug."

I have arrested or detained hundreds of coke heads, pot heads, and
crackheads in Saigon, the former West Germany, Washington, D.C., and
other areas of interest to the government.

Certain drugs are mind-altering. While they don't kill right away,
and maybe never, I never arrested an old drug addict. They create a
danger to others on the road, in the air, on ships and trains.

The people who use illegal drugs, including marijuana, have problems,
either mentally, physically or both.

And as greed enters the picture, thugs and users kill over the
possession and sale of the contraband.

Alcohol, nicotine and marijuana are scourges that cannot be halted,
only controlled to prevent adherents from harming others.