Drug Traffickers

Re “A Series of Misfires in the War on Drugs,” editorial, June 4:

Your editorial incorrectly claimed that “users” of prohibited drugs are subjected to harsh federal penalties. You should be aware that federal drug cases involve traffickers, not users. Mere use of drugs is not even a federal offense.

Some drug traffickers, of course, also use the products they sell. But the severity of the penalties should be evaluated with the understanding that those targeted are the dealers, not merely the users.

JAMES M. IDEMAN

U.S. District Judge

Los Angeles