Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jan 1999
Date: 01/30/1999
Source: Economist, The (UK)
Author: Edward Bryant

SIR--Why is it that anyone who suggests other approaches to the drug
problem than the one-sided interdiction programme ("Ending the war on
drugs", January 2nd) is accused of being "soft on drugs"? Interdiction
causes the extreme profits made by the drug cartels.

A balanced programme of interdiction; treatment and counselling; and
controlled and unadvertised legalised sales of drugs would undermine
these profits.

Low or no profits would be the best barrier to the illegal importation
of drugs.

So who is "soft on drugs"? Those who wish to undermine the profits of
the drug cartels or those who insist on the interdiction programme
that keeps the cartels alive?

EDWARD BRYANT
New York