Pubdate: Tue, 31 Mar 1998
Date: March 31, 1998
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Author: Scott S. Johnson

The Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement provided 102 pounds of ephedrine to
dealers. Of the 66 pounds of pure crank produced by the chemicals, almost
58 pounds was never recovered. Could this be a typical occurrence? We are
reminded by federal prosecutor Nancy Simpson, "The agents followed the law
and the bureau's written protocol and acted for the greater good of
society."

Prohibition creates fiscal incentive for drug dealers. Hard drugs continue
to destroy lives. And fighting their presence is a government industry
supported by tax dollars.Anyone sincerely interested in alleviating the
drug problem recognizes that education and economics are the keys.

Scott S. Johnson
Dobbins