Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jul 2008
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2008 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Note: Does not publish letters from outside its circulation area.
Author: Gordon Taylor
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n635/a01.html

IN DEFENSE OF THE MARIJUANA BUSTS

Re "As fires rage, the law protects us from marijuana," July 1: Peter 
Schrag's commentary on marijuana is short-sighted on many levels. For 
example, he suggests that law-enforcement agencies disregard 
large-scale marijuana cultivation because he doesn't perceive the 
imminent danger to our communities. Unfortunately, Mr. Schrag hasn't 
followed the news for the past two years.

Specifically, heavily armed drug gangs are invading California's once 
pristine forest land and stripping away the lush vegetation to clear 
space for marijuana cultivation. In turn, sophisticated crime 
syndicates are creating indoor marijuana factories in nearby, quiet 
residential neighborhoods, dumping toxic fertilizers and assorted 
chemicals into the otherwise clean community water systems.

These surreptitious activities pose serious health risks to 
unsuspecting residents, including children attending local schools. 
They should not be ignored, and they cannot be tolerated. 
Accordingly, the Drug Enforcement Administration regards these 
illegal incursions by drug profiteers as a clear and present danger 
to our national well-being.

Adopting a permissive attitude toward the marijuana trade will lead 
to three immediate consequences. First, it will encourage more 
involvement by organized crime. Second, it will lead to greater 
devastation of our natural environment. Third, it will further 
endanger the long-term health of our younger citizens. Click here to 
find out more!

- - Gordon Taylor, Sacramento

Special Agent in Charge,

DEA Sacramento Office
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom