Michael DeCourcy Hinds

Michael DeCourcy Hinds, vice president and executive editor of Public Agenda, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and education organization based in New York, contends in the following viewpoint that increased law enforcement measures are needed to combat the problem of drug abuse and addiction. He asserts that tougher penalties for drug lords, dealers, and users—along with stronger efforts to seal international borders from drug smuggling—will help eradicate the problem of drugs.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What international measures should the government take against drugs, according to Public Agenda?
2. According to the author, what can communities do to prevent illegal drug use?
3. How can law enforcement make sure that drug dealing doesn’t pay, in the author’s view"

Nearly 70 percent of the...