Pubdate: Sun, 10 Nov 2002
Source: East Valley Tribune (AZ)
Copyright: 2002 East Valley Tribune
Contact:  http://www.aztrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1795
Author: Errol J. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Division, Drug 
Enforcement Administration, U. S. Department of Justice, Phoenix

LEGALIZATION NO SOLUTION TO DRUG PROBLEM

Currently, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, a majority 
of criminal arrests in the country are drug related.  A majority of child 
abuse cases are connected to substance abuse. Additionally, in a national 
survey, at least half of the adults arrested for major crimes, such as 
homicide and assault, tested positive for drugs at the time of their arrests.

This clearly dispels the misperception by some that people arrested on 
criminal charges are committing crimes, often quite violent in nature, to 
support their drug addiction. The truth is that the majority of these 
arrests are committed because people were acting irresponsibly or violently 
under the influence of drugs.

If drug use increased because of legalization, and it most certainly would, 
communities would fall victim to more and more crime and abuse. And rather 
than helping those who suffer from addiction, we would be clearing the way 
for more victims.

Drug legalization is an unworkable and uncompassionate suggestion to remedy 
a coxplex problem.  It would lead to higher crime rates, more addiction and 
more suffering.

Errol J. Chavez
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom