I read with concern your Dec. 29 article headlined "Drug traffic's newest wave." Even though it does not seem intentional, its orientation harms the Latino community settled in this region, especially those of Mexican origin. It is very unfortunate that the article attempted to analyze an extremely complex subject through a stereotyped vision that was overcome several years ago in the bilateral agenda between Mexico and the United States. It is true that in Mexico there are important criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, which are being firmly fought under President Vicente Fox's administration, and it is also true that some Mexican workers are being used to smuggle drugs into the United States. However, as Andrea Bazan-Manson, executive director of El Pueblo, Inc. [a Hispanic advocacy group in Raleigh] was quoted as saying, the vast majority of Latino immigrants come to this country to work arduously in order to forge a better future for themselves and their families. It is true as well that the drug activity has no nationality, that the most attractive market for the trafficking organizations is on this side, and that thousands of individuals participate in the distribution chain, mainly American citizens.

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