expected to

contrary,

war on drugs.

effectively

deal with the crisis at hand. On the

they must be dealt with collectively as a unit in the Failure to do so may be likened to the firing of a it's simply not going to do the job.

gun without a bullet

some degree its

It is my opinion that if you can cut off the flow of illicit drugs at the source, thereby controlling to availablility on the streets, you are on your way to solving the problem. However, it would be naive to think that we could ever hope to completely cut off the flow of drugs to users. The supply seems to be perpetual and eternal. Clearly, it is necessary that

a

at

-

we also concentrate on the demand. We must simultaneously execute comprehensive education program once again, aimed primarily educating Our youth on the drug issue before there is an opportunity for them to be introduced to drugs in the schools or on the streets. I don't intend to lecture here on the importance of drug education in the war on drugs. I would only point out that, in my judgment, the

education is critically clear.

importance of

prevention through

Groups such as the Lions Clubs, the PTA, the National Federation of Parents for a Drug Free Youth, and others like them

can provide

vigilance

the

strong moral foundation through education and

to children today that will enable them to make the informed decision not to abuse drugs or alcohol, based on the fact that it is not an acceptable form of behavior in this society.

Again, thank you Mr. Chairman.

MEL LEVINE

27TH DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR

AND INSULAR AFFAIRS

SELECT COMMITTEE ON NARCOTICS

ABUSE AND CONTROL

MAJORITY REGIONAL WHIP

CO-CHAIRMAN, MILITARY REFORM CAUCUS

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

WASHINGTON OFFICE

132 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
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OPENING STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN MEL LEVINE
HEARING ON DRUG ABUSE AND DRUG TRAFFICKING IN LOS ANGELES
OCTOBER 31, 1986

Mr. Chairman, as a Member of the Select Committee on Narcotics, I am especially

pleased that this hearing on drug abuse is being conducted in Los Angeles. And I
especially want to thank the witnesses for coming today to share their viewpoints
regarding the drug problem with us.

Drug abuse is one of the most serious problems facing our nation. It wastes the potential
of thousands of our citizens, it contributes to violent crime, it drains valuable resources
from our communities, and it ruins the lives of those who become enmeshed in a drug
habit. Although drug abuse cuts across all ethnic, class, and age groups, young people are
particularly affected. According to estimates by the National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA), nearly two-thirds of all high school seniors have tried an illicit drug before
graduation. Drug abuse rates among America's youth are among the highest found in any
developed country in the world. These statistics are a grim reminder that drug abuse
truly is a war and that too many of our next generation are its casualities.

Drug abuse is a particularly destructive problem here in Los Angeles. As you observed,
Mr. Chairman, the rates of emergency room admissions are increasing for cocaine and
heroin related incidents. Rates of PCP abuse are also reported to be particularly high in
this area. Further, Los Angeles is being used by many drug dealers as a stop over point
for shipments of illegal drugs to other areas in the western half of the country.

In fighting the war on drug abuse, I am particularly concerned that drug education and