Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 Source: Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA) Copyright: 2008 Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460 Author: Daniel J. Addario Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n671/a03.html DISSING THE DEA As a former special agent in charge serving in South America, Thailand, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, and with over 35 years experience in all phases of narcotic enforcement, I take exception to Bill Steigerwald's column criticizing the Drug Enforcement Administration for becoming a "bloated, self-preserving federal bureaucracy whose power, budget and continuing existence bear no relation to its performance" ("35 years of drug war failure", July 13 and PghTrib.com). The DEA doesn't waste valuable time arresting pot smokers and perpetrators of victimless crimes. Fifty high-ranking Mafia families, Gambino, Genevese and Ormento, were all arrested and jailed in New York for drug trafficking and conspiracy. Undercover operation "French Connection" arrested Auguste Ricord for conspiracy and importing multi kilos of heroin into the U.S. This case was made as a result of DEA cooperation with the French and U.S. police in New York and with Interpol. Timothy Leary, the guru of LSD, was charged with illegal manufacturing of the drug and setting up numerous labs nationwide. In San Francisco, 40 Hell's Angels were arrested and charged with drug and racketeering charges. The DEA in cooperation with foreign diplomats and law enforcement officials caused the extradition of numerous Mafia drug traffickers from Thailand, South America, Mexico and Europe. Mr. Steigerwald made no mention of numerous DEA, state, local and foreign agents who lost their lives fighting the drug wars. And it should be noted that the responsibility of setting U.S. drug policy enforcement and intelligence gathering lies with the DEA, FBI, U.S. Customs, CIA, U.S. Coast Guard, State Department, Congress, the White House and state and local law enforcement agencies. I agree with Mr. Steigerwald that the marijuana laws should be decriminalized, but that would take the White House's and Congress' approval. Daniel J. Addario New Bern, N.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin