Reagan Signs Broad ‘Sword and Shield’ Anti-Drug Law : Casual Users Face Stiff Fines; Kingpins Could Get the Death Penalty

WASHINGTON —  President Reagan on Friday signed landmark anti-drug legislation, calling it a “new sword and shield” in the nation’s battle against the illegal drug epidemic.

The law represents a significant shift in the government’s approach to fighting drugs, establishing a federal death penalty for drug kingpins, toughening laws against child pornography and providing for fines of up to $10,000 against people possessing small amounts of drugs.

The legislation also calls for a Cabinet-level drug czar who will develop and coordinate a national strategy to fight drugs and be responsible for the entire federal anti-drug budget. Establishment of this position, to be filled by the Bush Administration, has set off a round of speculation about who will be named to the post, officially called the national drug policy director.

Candidates Mentioned

Among those mentioned as possible candidates are Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove), Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson, former California Rep. Daniel E. Lungren (R-Long Beach) and U.S. Customs Commissioner William Von Raab.

Dornan appears to be pushing the most aggressively for the job. He “is actively interested in the position,” said his chief of staff, Brian Bennett.

The congressman campaigned extensively for President-elect George Bush, making speeches in 35 states.

Bennett said Dornan also has made a point of meeting with Drug Enforcement Administration officials during his foreign travels. Dornan’s longstanding interest in the drug issue includes his six years as a Los Angeles television talk show host, when he crusaded against drugs, Bennett said.

“He always believed drugs were ripping up our country,” Bennett said. “He believed it in 1960, and he sure as hell believes it now.”

During the campaign, Bush promised to put running mate Dan Quayle in charge of the U.S. war on drugs if he is elected, but the new law forbids that, saying the drug czar cannot hold another federal post.

At the signing ceremony, Reagan cited drug-use statistics that he called “encouraging,” and asserted that cocaine use among high school seniors had dropped by one-third last year, from 6.2% in 1986 to 4.3% last year. “This bill,” he said, “helps us close rank on those who continue to provide drugs.”

Under the 1988 Anti-Drug Abuse Act, those convicted of killing or ordering killings while committing drug-related felonies are subject to the death penalty. The constitutionality of that provision has been questioned and is certain to be challenged in court if it is implemented.

Placing unprecedented penalties on casual users, the legislation calls for civil fines of up to $10,000 and allows courts to cut off federal benefits, including student loans, federally guaranteed mortgages and small business loans, to people convicted of drug possession. This provision, which critics say will cause administrative havoc, goes into effect Sept. 1, allowing the President time to decide which of the nearly 600 federal benefit programs will be affected.

The law also authorizes additional funding for anti-drug programs for students and dropouts and provides an additional $116 million to the Coast Guard and $15.5 million to the Customs Service to bolster their interdiction efforts. Overall, the law authorizes spending of $2.8 billion over two years, but so far it provides only $500 million in actual spending.

At the signing ceremony, Reagan commended his wife, Nancy, for “her tireless efforts” in the anti-drug war, including her “Just Say No” program. “I thank you and personally dedicate this bill to you,” Reagan said.