ANOTHER WAR

Our position: The crackdown on drugs is a welcome result of the terrorism war.

The increased federal security measures to prevent future acts of terrorism
have created some unexpected, yet very welcome, victories in the war
against illegal drugs.

Because federal customs agents have been searching more vehicles at borders
to intercept terrorists, they have been confiscating more drugs. The
Customs Service reports that during this past October at southwest border
crossings -- from Mexico into the United States -- its agents made 30
percent more drug seizures than during October 2000.

Until the terror attacks, smugglers had it relatively easy because there
are only enough customs agents to check a small percentage of the vehicles
crossing the borders. After Sept. 11, many agents involved in other
investigations, such as tracking items exported from the United States,
have been pressed into duty on the border. Those reassignments come with
risks because, unless exports are monitored closely, some items made for
peaceful purposes can be converted into weapons.

As large as the federal government is, its resources are limited. How can
the federal government keep handling its traditional missions, such as
halting smuggling, while fighting a long-running battle against terrorism?

Those are answers Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge should have when he
presents his action plan to Congress and President George W. Bush.