Dear Editor, I have a fair idea of your source (the expert) on the story 'Copters key to drug war - expert' (SN 28.11.05) and consider it somewhat troubling that he would identify helicopters as the key asset in the fight against drug production and trafficking. Heli-copters are primarily an important asset in the interdiction and enforcement pro-cess. They allow operatives greater manoeuvrability and flexibility in enforcement activity but the most critical component in the fight against drugs is actionable intelligence. [continues 456 words]