‘A Look at Drug Use’

In response to “A Look at Drug Use,” editorial, Aug. 2:

I am concerned that your editorial will mislead the public into believing that the war on illegal drugs has turned the corner and now we should focus our attention on a plethora of programs to help the poor.

I am concerned because illegal drugs are a problem affecting the inner city and the suburbs. A 33% decline in cocaine use in the 3-year period from 1985 to 1988 is good news. But to focus your editorial on that alone leaves the inference that the war has been won.

Far from it. In Los Angeles County, the County Probation Department’s drug-related investigations rose from 5,000 in 1980 to 33,000 in 1988--more than a 550% increase. Further, 60% of all criminal cases in the courts are drug related and 50% of all felony filings by the district attorney are for illicit drugs. Is it any wonder then that we are regarded as the cocaine and PCP capital of the nation?

That’s why the Board of Supervisors has been very actively working with anti-drug federal agencies and with Congress to obtain the increased resources we must have to really gain ground in the war on drugs.

That’s why every member of the Los Angeles County congressional delegation has joined us in a bipartisan drive to secure those resource increases for agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and others assigned to Southern California.

There is no question that inner-city residents do need help. Part of that help must include fighting back against the inner-city gangs who are deeply involved in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the county and across the nation.

Even if the survey findings on cocaine use are accurate, 67% of the users remain. The problem hasn’t been cured, as dozens upon dozens of Los Angeles County public and private agencies treating user victims and trying to educate can quickly attest.

Those programs, reactive and preventive, already consume nearly $60 million in Los Angeles County alone and likely billions nationally; dollars that are thus not available for day care, prenatal care, Head Start, job training, affordable housing and many other programs extremely essential to the poor. The only way resources can be freed to expand these programs is to eliminate illegal drugs and that can only be done with increased federal help.

DEANE DANA

Supervisor

Los Angeles County