Pubdate: Fri, 21 Nov 2003
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2003 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Howard J. Wooldridge

PUT AN END TO DRUG PROHIBITION

As a retired police officer, I read with interest your Nov. 18 opinion 
piece, "Time to find new ways to fight drugs," advocating safe-injections 
sites for drug addicts.

The three co-authors are correct when they say safe-injection sites are far 
more effective than the law enforcement in fighting drug addiction.

In my professional experience, I have learned every drug dealer ever 
arrested or killed is replaced within days. Drugs are cheaper, stronger and 
easier to buy than 30 years ago. The time and money we and the prison 
system spend on drug prohibition is a complete waste.

Worse, prohibition efforts mean less time spent looking for real criminals 
like drunk drivers and rapists. All drug use and abuse should be dealt with 
by doctors and clinics, not police and prisons.

Howard J. Wooldridge

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc)

Dallas, Tex. 
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