Stopping Drugs at the Source by Cutting Off the Supply
Certain drugs are illegal for a reason -- they're so dangerous that there is no safe way to have them in our society. We have to do everything possible to keep illegal drugs out of the country and off the streets. We need to cut off the supply of drugs by targeting traffickers and dealers, both wholesalers and street corner drug dealers. Tougher enforcement and stricter sentencing of dealers and users helped to deal with the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1990s and kept overall drug use at stable levels. To win the war on drugs, we need to pursue this strategy aggressively, making every effort to identify, prosecute, and imprison drug dealers, thus cutting off the drug supply both at home and abroad.
What Should be Done?
Take more aggressive measures to prevent drugs from crossing our borders. Help drug-producing nations with eradication efforts and other enforcement activities, including the destruction of clandestine labs and airfields. Demand international cooperation in cutting off the drug supply. Reward countries that crack down on drug growers with aid and support and impose economic sanctions on countries that refuse. Impose swift and certain punishment on drug dealers, including consistent mandatory minimum sentences. Expand sanctions against convicted dealers, such as confiscating autos and other personal property, and taking away driver's licenses. Consistently enforce the laws that prohibit drug use.
Arguments For This Approach
Illegal drug use is morally wrong and terribly destructive. There can be no compromises, no unenforced laws, no distinctions between hard and soft drugs, between dealers and casual users. Drug dealers and users are also likely to commit other crimes, either to support their habit or protect their business. Cracking down on drug offenses will help cut crime in general.In many communities, police are outnumbered and overwhelmed by an army of drug dealers. Internationally, drug gangs are so strong that they can undermine national governments and some terrorist groups use drug sales to raise money.Continued widespread sale and use of illegal drugs undermines respect for the law.
Arguments Against This Approach
This is a losing battle. As long as drugs are illegal and very profitable, there will be dealers willing to sell them. The war on drugs comes at a huge cost in money and jail space. Thanks to rigid mandatory sentences, we imprison drug users who might be able to change, if we gave them treatment.The get-tough policy has taken an unfair toll on poor, minority communities, where drugs are common and too many people have too few alternatives in life.This no-holds-barred approach to drug enforcement infringes on civil liberties. The U.S. cannot dictate policy to other nations. In many countries, it is legal to grow coca, which people chew as a mild stimulant and to counter the effects of hunger.
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