Pubdate: Mon, 26 Feb 2007
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2007 The Miami Herald
Contact:  http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: Howard J. Wooldridge

FIGHTING DRUG TRADE

Re the Feb. 18 story U.S. base with vital role in drug war facing 
closure: As a retired police officer, I was surprised at the story's 
sky-is-falling tone about the impending loss of the airbase in Manta, Ecuador.

The cartels smuggle in tons of cocaine and heroin. They have built 
into their business model the loss of a certain percentage of their 
product because of the planes at Manta. Therefore, every ton seized 
is meaningless.

The price of cocaine and heroin has been dropping during the past 30 
years, indicating an oversupply. Prohibition guarantees that Miami 
will always have an ample supply of drugs. As the sale of drugs 
funnels billions to terrorists, will we ever be as wise as our 
grandparents and end the new prohibition?

Howard J. Wooldridge, education specialist

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Washington, D.C. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman