I would like congratulate the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force on a job well done. The record-breaking drug raids that took place across Tuscaloosa are a great example of hard-working individuals coming together.

But what can be learned from the two-month investigation by five agencies that culminated in the arrests of more than 60 students? Those involved in the investigation have taken a bold step toward eradicating the drug community. What’s next? Where do we go from here?

By arresting those who sell and use drugs, drug abuse will eventually go away, right? It would be nice if the solution was that simple, but history argues against this. New suppliers will move in, new investigations will begin and two months and thousands of tax payer dollars later, we will ask the same question: What now?

Last December marked the 79th anniversary of prohibition’s repeal; we now live in a society where we can to have a reasonable discussion about the alcohol abuse’s dangers. In 1971, President Nixon identified drug abuse as “public enemy No. 1” and declared this country’s war on drugs.

Forty-two years and over $1 trillion later, we are still engaged in a losing battle that has our prisons overcrowded with nonviolent 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 honest dialogue so we may rethink our prohibitionist attitudes 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, neighbors and 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.

University of Alabama President Judy Bonner claimed in her email response that the students arrested represent a small portion of the UA student body. This is not true. Your fellow classmates who had their doors broken down, academic careers disrupted and reputations permanently damaged, represent a large group who recognize 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 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.

Matt Larkin is a junior majoring in biology and the president of the Alabama Chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

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