DEALING DRUGS? STOP, THINK

If I could speak to young people selling drugs or who are
contemplating selling drugs to their fellow human beings, I would tell
them: STOP AND THINK about what you are doing. Seriously, stop and
think; for the benefit of your future, cut this commentary out and
carefully read it over.

First, you must realize that the people to whom you sell drugs get
hurt by your actions, which lead many of them into addiction, wasted
lives of chasing drug highs, lost income, declining health, possible
serious drug overdoses and even death. Not only do you hurt your
fellow man, you also hurt the caring family, friends and loved ones of
the people whom you introduced into the drug culture and whom you then
try to keep in the drug scene so that you can make more money. That's
really what it is all about, if you think about it: You want to make
money, without working for it.

Even if you lack a conscience, then think about yourself and your
future. You may think you're leading an exciting life as a drug dealer
but, in reality, you are actually on a path to self-destruction that
will eventually bring misery beyond your imagination. Initially, you
may gain easy money by selling drugs, but one thing is certain: You,
like all drug dealers before you, will be caught if you continue
selling drugs. You may sell drugs once, five times or a hundred times
before being caught. In the end, however, the illegal wealth you
gained from the misery of others will be taken from you, and you will
miss the future joys of your potential life as you sit in an 8-by-10
prison cell for many years. Also, you will not only hurt yourself but
your family and your friends who care about you. Think about the
trauma and humiliation your parents and family will feel when you are
eventually arrested and imprisoned.

So, drug dealer, if you care about your future, what is the
answer?

First, do no harm to other people. You will sleep much better at night
not worrying about hurting others, the SWAT team knocking down your
door, associates informing on you, and undercover police agents trying
to arrest you.

Next, walk away from the drug culture and the negative influence of
other dealers and drug users. Start a new life now and simply earn an
income by honest work. Don't waste your future on a foolish choice
that looks like an easy path, but is not.

In closing, if you are not a drug dealer but know someone who is, cut
this "My Word" column out, send it to that person and tell him or her:
Stop and seriously think about what you are doing -- before it is too
late.

William Lutz is head of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, a
12- agency law-enforcement task force that investigates narcotics,
vice and organized crime