MISSISSIPPI HAS HOMEGROWN WOES

As shown in today's Perspective section, Mississippi has its own homegrown
problems with illegal drugs.

Importation from other countries is a problem, as seizures of drugs
such as cocaine and marijuana from Colombia and Mexico are intercepted
here.

I-20, for example, is considered a corridor for drugs from the west to
the Eastern Seaboard, say officials, just as a "drug pipeline" is said
to exist north/south to Chicago.

But of greater concern, as shown, both crack cocaine and crystal
methamphetamine, both highly addictive drugs, can be made and sold in
large quantities locally, addicting our children and promoting crime.

Their manufacture and use are sources of tremendous human misery -
from destruction of families, violence, psychological and physical
stress, to increased pressure on police, courts and human resource
agencies. For example, drugs (including alcohol) are believed involved
in more than 70 percent of crimes, with at least a third of prison
inmates - 6,000 or more - serving time involving such abuse.

The 2003 Legislature took a step in the right direction in addressing
this problem by approving a bill for the creation of drug courts
specifically for first-time drug offenders.

Its benefits: 1) taxpayers don't have to pay to house drug offenders
in prison; 2) by offering drug treatment and supervised probation,
offenders can be turned around so they can support themselves and
their families.

But that's only part of the needed solutions. In addition to stout law
enforcement to apprehend dealers, Mississippi needs greater access to
public mental health and drug treatment facilities to help families
and individuals hooked on drugs, without criminal justice system
involvement.

Many, perhaps most, of those addicted are funneled into treatment
through action by or the threat of action by authorities. But it
should be easier for families to seek help without threat of criminal
charges or a criminal record.

These are items the 2004 Legislature should address: 1) supporting
statewide drug courts; 2) reviewing law enforcement efforts to ensure
enough resources given; 3) reviewing public mental health/chemical
dependency options.

Mississippi Drug Facts:
http://www.clarionledger.com/news/0308/10/lperse-toid1.html