Pubdate: Tue, 09 Nov 1999
Date: 11/09/1999
Source: Halifax Daily News (CN NS)
Author: John G. Chase

To the editor:

As an American, I have no standing to comment on Canadian problems,
but if the subject is illegal drugs, we Americans are experts.
(Crack-house List Too Long for City, editorial, Oct. 28). By U.S.
standards, 135 crack houses sounds like a lot for a city the size of
Halifax, but compared to what?

Imagine the dynamics of shutting down half of the "crack" houses. The
price goes up and users become more desperate for money to buy their
drug. Desperate people commit more property crime. Drug dealers are
killed in turf battles. The market eventually adjusts to the new
conditions. The murders diminish, prices drop and property crime
abates. The stage is set for yet another cycle.

As a general rule, study what the U.S. has done in the drug war and
do the opposite. You'll be right.

John G. Chase
Palm Harbor, Fla.