Pubdate: Sat, 15 Dec 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Tony Smith

DRUG BUSTS OBVIOUSLY HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON CRIME

Re: 'We've chopped off the head of the snake,' Dec. 13

How many times have we seen photos of smug police officers sitting 
behind stacks of drugs, firearms and piles of money? Why do we keep 
seeing them, if the busts work?

Until we start treating drug addiction as a medical problem, and 
admit that our present drug policies only make criminal gangs rich 
and powerful, this will continue. The only thing that happens when 
you arrest a drug dealer is that you create a job opportunity.

This investigation has probably cost hundreds of millions of dollars. 
It will cost as much or more in court, and many of the individuals 
will likely be found not guilty. It will doubtless cause shootings as 
up-and-coming dealers fight to fill the vacuum, and it will have no 
effect on the overall drug scene. In addition, countless policeman 
have been taken off the streets and will continue to be so throughout 
the trials.

Tony Smith

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition of Drugs

Langley
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