Kevin P. Meenan
The Plague of Illegal Drugs
The plague of illegal drugs is still raging across the United States. That statement is no surprise to any prosecutor in America. We see the costs every day in our courtrooms and in our juvenile halls. While much progress has been made in reducing the use of drugs overall, a new generation of drugs targeting the young has resulted in some disturbing trends of increased usage. Now, more than ever, America’s prosecutors need to make a priority commitment to stop illegal drug use. That means both tough enforcement and prosecutor participation in rehabilitation and prevention efforts. NDAA is actively involved in both strategies.
Our national Drug Committee is ably chaired by Denver DA Bill Ritter and Brooklyn DA Joe Hynes. From drug testing in schools, to border security issues to the dangerous movement to legalize drugs, this committee is actively engaged in the drug issues of today. I have met with DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson and newly appointed Drug Czar Walters to underscore the NDAA commitment to the local/federal partnerships needed to effectively handle the drug plague. APRI is working to develop a sorely needed narcotics program to serve local prosecutors. We continue to work for adequate funding for anti-drug activities on both the national and state levels.
Despite these efforts, I want you all to be aware of some disturbing developments that threaten our work:
- Proponents of legalizing or decriminalizing drugs continue their efforts. We will see initiatives, referendums and state constitutional amendments on ballots around the country this election season. Massachusetts recently rejected such attempts in large part through the efforts of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association. Drug legalization proponents are well-funded and organized. It is only through coordinated opposition that their efforts can be stopped. America’s prosecutors are in the best position to make certain that our citizens have all the facts before they vote.
At our recent spring meeting, our NDAA Board of Directors established efforts to oppose these misguided efforts at legalization as one of the NDAA priorities. I have directed our staff to monitor these efforts in each of the states. Further, I have directed staff to prepare background information and talking points for prosecutors to use on this topic. This movement is one we ignore at our peril.
- The flow of illegal drugs across our borders is still a major national threat. The links of narcotics to terrorism and the enhanced protection of our borders only underscore the commitment to prevent the illegal flow of drugs. The Bush Administration has made resources available to the border states, but we all know that drug trafficking does not only impact the border states. To place the bulk of the resources for fighting drugs there to the exclusion of other states ignores the reality of narcotics’ flow and supply.
The new Mexican government’s commitment to dealing with this problem has taken an encouraging tone, yet its policy limiting extradition and our own inadequate immigration protections allow Mexico to remain a safe haven for drug dealers. That must change. NDAA raised these concerns at the recent Executive Working Group meeting in Washington, D.C. We will continue to make certain that our concerns as local prosecutors are heard as the U.S. deals with Mexico.
- The shifting of resources to combat the threat of terrorism should not ignore the reality of the danger the drug trade poses for Americans. Whether through HIDTA efforts or through Byrne Grant funding, most of our investigation and prosecution efforts require both local and federal commitments. Further, though staggeringly expensive, resources are needed to fund the rehabilitation that is so central to most of our drug court and diversion efforts. NDAA will work to ensure that the right balance is struck so that the drug plague is not neglected.
The demand and appetite for drugs unfortunately is voracious in this country. Dangerous new drugs and many old ones still threaten our communities. I urge each of you to recommit yourselves to the fight. NDAA has.
