Pubdate: Fri, 28 Feb 2014
Source: New York Times (NY)
Copyright: 2014 The New York Times Company
Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Gil Kerlikowske

THE GLOBALIZATION OF DRUGS

To the Editor:

Your Feb. 25 editorial "The Capture of Chapo Guzman" correctly noted 
that drug consumption in the United States contributes to violence 
and instability abroad. But, increasingly, drug consumption is a 
globalized phenomenon. Outdated notions of drug "consumer" and drug 
"supplier" distinctions have fallen away.

I have visited drug treatment centers throughout Central and South 
America that are treating their populations for substance use 
disorders. In Mexico, a former first lady, Margarita Zavala, made 
drug treatment one of her signature efforts. A recent report from 
Brazil indicates greater crack cocaine use there than in the United States.

Since 2006, the rate of cocaine use in the United States has 
decreased by 40 percent, and cocaine shipments have increased 
significantly to expanding markets in Africa, Spain and the European 
Union. We should recognize that every country has a drug problem, and 
that only by using a balanced strategy of prevention, treatment and 
law enforcement will we be successful in further reducing this problem.

GIL KERLIKOWSKE

Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

Washington, Feb. 25, 2014
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom