DRUG WAR IS UNENDING

Recent stories in the Reporter-Herald about a major drug bust have
served to introduce Lovelanders to residents accused of doing
despicable things.

Named in the stories were people, several also from surrounding
communities, who are accused of knowingly preying upon fellow citizens.

By selling methamphetamines to misguided people, they contributed to
the destruction of lives, disintegration of families and downgrading
of community.

It is not a stretch to label drug dealers as urban terrorists. The
effect of their illegal actions often can have fatal results.

And it should come as no surprise that this major drug operation was
located in Loveland.

The myth that illicit drugs are plentiful only in large cities has
never been true, but it has been thoroughly debunked by the widespread
use of meth.

This highly addictive drug has invaded virtually every nook and cranny
in the United States.

In a "business" where sales are measured in ounces, the Loveland
network was dealing in pounds. Officers said the drug was being sold
to between 200 and 300 residents a week. Although the intelligence of
those who were customers is questionable, they are directly
responsible for the plague of meth that is consuming so much of our
national resources.

Were the Loveland drug customers friends, acquaintances, family
members or neighbors? It would be illuminating to make public all of
their names.

That people who use illegal drugs need help is beyond question.
Without their continuing support through purchase and use, illegal
drug operations would soon cease to exist. Unfortunately society is
ill-equipped to deal with these vulnerable and misguided
individuals.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of drug enforcement officers, illicit
drug use will continue. As soon as one network is closed down, another
will crop up, if not in Loveland, then in a neighboring community.
That's been the pattern, and there is no reason to expect it to change.

This has been the history of the so-called war on illegal drugs. It
makes you wonder if we as a nation have ever been really committed to
winning it.

The blow struck in Loveland this past month was significant, but no
one should be naive enough to believe that other would-be dealers
aren't waiting in the wings.