DETERRENT

A recent news account indicates drug trafficking and importation from
Mexico to the U.S. has increased since America's international focus
shifted to Osama bin Laden.

As Coast Guard vessels are now marked primarily for homeland defense and
counter-terrorism, fewer resources remain to combat drug smuggling via the
high seas. Officials in Mexico say drug traffickers, aware of the American
absence, have picked up business where the U.S. previously had been
successful in seizing shipments, primarily the Pacific Ocean - or the
cocaine corridor.

So drug trafficking on the Pacific has seen more activity in recent months
because (a) it's easier and (b) drug-runners have a heightened awareness
that U.S. resources are devoted elsewhere. So: Do those opposing the war on
drugs agree the U.S. drug war - taking into account proper funding and
orders, and adequate staffing and ships - before 9/11 had a deterrent
effect on would-be smugglers?