Pubdate: Thu, 31 Aug 2000
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2000 The New York Times Company
Section: Letters
Contact:  229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Fax: (212) 556-3622
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
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Author: Robert G. Newman, M.D.
Note: The writer is president of Continuum Health Partners.

DRUG-WAR VICTORY: WHAT'S THE VALUE?

Even the most skeptical critic of America's war on drugs cannot help but be impressed with the latest international drug bust (news article, Aug. 27). This major battle involved 200 agents from 12 countries and lasted two years. And what a victory: a major cartel leader extradited to America to be tried, many more conspirators arrested, and the seizure of $1 billion worth of cocaine!

But information is needed regarding this victory's strategic value. What will its impact be on cocaine supply? Will there be fewer users, or less use, in America and Europe? Will drug-related crime be decreased? And who will be monitoring the experience in coming months to justify the conclusion that successes like this support continuation of our costly war and the strategy it reflects?
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