DEA TARGETS REAL BAD GUYS

EDITOR: The Star-News and former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice
Burley Mitchell assert that we should decriminalize (some drug
offenses.) America's drug policy works.

Cocaine use has dropped 50 percent over the past 15 years; marijuana
use by teens has dropped 18 percent; ecstasy use by teens has dropped
60 percent; LSD availability in the U.S. has been reduced an
astounding 99 percent; and coca cultivation in South America is at
its lowest level in almost 20 years.

The DEA and law enforcement agencies target entities that distribute
drugs and misery in the streets of America -- not people who need
treatment. In 2001, 2.3 percent, or 186 criminals, were sentenced for
simple marijuana possession in U.S. federal prisons. ...

We need a balanced approach to fighting drug crime: one that
incorporates education, enforcement, and treatment.

To borrow a line from Calvin Coolidge: "the slogan 'Press On' has
solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Our communities will be far better off if we adopt this simple and
applicable phrase in our efforts to control drug trafficking crime
and abuse. After all, each of us is worth it.

Emmett R. Highland

Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration

Wilmington