Why do drug cartels exist? It’s simple, they supply a demand that is here in the United States. Our problem is we try to solve the problem in other countries rather than within our own. In the past, American foreign policy has had little impact in reducing crime caused by drug trafficking. The U.S. has put pressure on the Mexican government by spending billions on foreign aid to fight this corrupt drug war.
Additionally, the United States has sought to stop the producing of coca in farms of Colombia. We conducted aerial spraying of coca farms in the effort of solving the drug problem in the United States. The sprays have traces of cancer-causing ingredients. Also, they can destroy any other crops that are vital for the farmers. The crops are not only used for the production of cocaine, the Colombian farmers use the coca leaves for medical uses and teas.
The problem is in the United States, Utah police has seen a spike in illegal drug sales. Salt Lake City police seized 82 percent more drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, than in 2015. Instead of spending billions in other countries, we can start by addressing the demand for drugs here.
Brittany Escalante, Cottonwood Heights