I would like to begin by taking the time to congratulate the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force on a job well done. The record-breaking drug raids that took place across Tuscaloosa on Tuesday are a fantastic example of hard-working individuals coming together to accomplish a goal. But what can be learned from the two month investigation by a coalition comprised of five different law enforcement agencies that culminated in the arrests of over 60 students? The officers involved in the investigation have a taken a bold step towards eradicating the community of drugs but what is next? Where do we go from here?





By arresting those who sell and use drugs, drug abuse will eventually go away, right? It would nice if the solution was that simple but history tells us that this is not the case. New suppliers will move in, another investigation will begin and then two months and thousands of tax payer dollars later we will be back where we are today asking ourselves the same question: what now?





Last December marked the 79

th

anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition and we now live in a society where we are able to have a reasonable discussion about the dangers of alcohol abuse while also promoting responsible drinking habits. In 1971, President Nixon identified drug abuse as "public enemy no. 1" and formally declared this country's war on drugs. 42 years and over $1 trillion later, we are still engaged in this losing battle that has our prisons are overcrowded with non-violent offenders, and yet drug abuse is more prevalent than ever. The events of last Tuesday should serve as a wake-up call: it is time for an open, and more importantly, honest dialogue so that we may rethink our prohibitionist attitude toward drugs.





The futile efforts and senseless tactics of the past are creating criminals out of good people. We are locking up student body leaders, National Merit Scholars, friendly neighbors, and dear friends for a victimless crime. This nation's failed drug policy has labeled these hard-working students and upstanding citizens with bright futures as felons who are now facing substantial fines, expulsion, and possible jail time.





President Judy Bonner claimed in a response emailed to the University that the students arrested represent a small portion of the UA student body.

This is not true. Those students who had their doors broken down, academic careers disrupted, and reputations permanently damaged represent a large group of us who recognize that the war on drugs is failing our generation and our society. We must work with the same enthusiasm and motivation of those who conducted these raids to change this country's antiquated stance toward drug abuse. It is time to push back against these counterproductive policies, particularly those that directly harm young people, and strive for a more just system that treats drug abuse as a health issue rather than simply an issue of criminal justice.

This response was written on behalf of the Alabama Chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.



Matthew Larkin

President, Students for Sensible Drug Policy

University of Alabama Chapter