Prosecution
of heroin dealers makes impressive headlines, but putting dealers
behind bars doesn't stem the supply of the drug.
Another
dealer will fill the void and addicts, like moths attracted to a
light, will invariably find the dealer.
The
state's answer to the distribution of heroin? Prosecution. Hire a
special prosecutor for $90,000 and have him flail away at illegal
drug sales and dealers with menacing nicknames.
More
prosecutions may inflate the new prosecutor's resume and the resume
of Virginia's Attorney General, Mark Herring, but it won't stop or
curb the sale of heroin or eradicate addiction.
The
get tough on drug dealers is reminiscent of the Republicans “war on
drugs.” But this is Virginia and Virginia is run by a democratic
governor and attorney general.
The
money should be spent on intervention, prevention and rehabilitation
rather than prosecution.
Will
heroin distribution cease due to intense prosecution? I think not.
The only way to stop the distribution of illegal drugs is to get rid
of addicts. If demand dries up, sales will cease. (See my
recommendations)
Is
the public willing to make real sacrifices to save their children and
their family members from dying of drug overdoses or withdrawal or an
addiction so intense you would do anything to get a fix?
Are
you?
But
let's read how AG Herring is tackling the problem. His solution:
Launch a public awareness campaign. A predictable response, but how effective?
“Under the "Education and
Prevention" category, AG Herring will be rolling out a statewide
public awareness campaign this fall. The campaign's centerpiece will
be a documentary that chronicles the struggle and pain the heroin
epidemic has caused communities throughout the Commonwealth,”
according to a statement issued by the AG's office.
This offends me. Why? Do they really
expect to make a dent in the drug trade? What will communities do
when addicts can't get their fix? Are they prepared to clean up the
corpses from overdoses and drug withdrawal?
AG Herring launched a five point
plan to Combat Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse last September.
Here's my plan.
- Build a 500-bed or more treatment center in Isle of Wight County, Suffolk or Surrey County. Minimum security.
- Every offender who is arrested for a minor drug offense will be sent to the treatment center for a year.
- Offenders will not be prosecuted, nor will the 12-month incarceration reflect on the individual's record. Should they run away, they are subject to prosecution and jail time.
- Addicts will undergo a rigorous daily routine, Monday through Friday. Up at 5am, breakfast at 6am, work at 7am. Lunch at 12, back to work at 1pm until 6pm for dinner. After dinner, addicts will attend group sessions run by psychologists, physicians, counselors and former counselors. Lights out at 9pm. No exceptions.On Saturdays, addicts will work half days. The rest of the day will be spent on education, skills, exercise, games and quiet time. Sundays can be dedicated to meditation, prayer, study and exercise or games.
That's
very utopian, you say. But how will you pay for it?
Shift
money spent on prosecuting drug offenders to the treatment center.
Take
a portion of money financing the Dept. of Corrections to house drug
offenders.
Eliminate
state sponsored health coverage for all Va. Legislators. Use that
money for the treatment and rehabilitation center.
Raise
the tax on the sale of booze and cigarettes.
Raise
the tax on gun sales.
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