Pubdate: Wed, 11 Feb 2004
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Edmonton Journal
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Michael Cust
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n240/a06.html?12157

DRUG SQUADS PROTECT THEIR OWN TURF

Re: "Ottawa's pot stand hurts war on drugs: police," Journal, Feb. 7.

If  deputy  police  chief Mike Bradshaw were truly concerned about the 
social harms surrounding illegal drug use, he would be calling for the 
full    legalization    of   all   drugs   --   not   quibbling   over 
decriminalization.

Prohibition  of  any  substance  --  drug  or otherwise -- necessarily 
involves  violent criminal groups. When there are no courts to mediate 
business disputes, and no police to protect property, violence becomes both 
a competitive advantage and a logical way to resolve disputes.

Also,  as police arrest drug dealers, they reduce the supply of drugs, 
thus  causing  the  price to artificially rise. This scenario leads to 
property crime, as addicts steal to pay for a fix.

But  these economic realities are the least of the police department's 
worries  --  it is concerned with a much different economic reality. A 
large portion of the city police budget is designated for fighting the 
crime that comes with drug prohibition. If Ottawa eventually legalizes 
drugs,  this  make work project for cops would be over, forcing police to 
downsize. And the police wouldn't want that, would they?

Michael Cust,

Edmonton
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