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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom