To the editor:

Law enforcement officials used the DEA’s High Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area grant for the drug checkpoint near the Wakarusa Festival. The grants, according to the KBI Web site, are for “federal, state and local law enforcement agencies within the region in identifying, targeting and dismantling organizations distributing and/or manufacturing methamphetamine.” There was one meth lab busted in Douglas County in 2005. No meth labs were found at the festival last year. Problems with illegal drugs were minimal, except for one.

A young man died from a drug overdose. He did not get medical treatment in time to save his life. Ensuring this situation does not happen again must be the highest priority for everyone involved.

The experts agree; accidental deaths and overdoses are infrequent at large festivals when paramedics, nurses and doctors are hired to engage with the crowd. At Burning Man, (36,000 in the Arizona desert) health care professionals use golf carts to patrol the grounds and locate people in trouble. They erect “sanctuary” tents where attendees may talk with substance abuse counselors and get medical treatment without fear of arrest. Law enforcement only arrests someone who hurts another person or steals their property.

Illegal drug use in the hot Kansas sun is a public health issue. Searching people outside the festival does not deter drug use, it drives it further underground. Rather than spending tax dollars arresting people for drugs, spend the money to ensure a safe, healthy atmosphere for all festivalgoers.

Laura A. Green,

Lawrence