Cocaine use
declines among U.S. workforce

Recent data collected from workplace drug tests indicate a double-digit decline in the percentage of cocaine users in the American workforce, according to a press release from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

According to Quest Diagnostics, there was a 15.9% decline in the number of cocaine drug-test positives among the combined U.S. workforce in the first six months of 2007 compared with the same period in 2006.

"These data are encouraging," said John Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, in the press release. "Cocaine has destroyed thousands of lives in the U.S. and brought lawlessness and misery to our neighbors. But in recent years, we have had unprecedented cooperation with leaders in Colombia and Mexico. Now is the time to build on this progress."

According to the release, separate findings from federal intelligence and law enforcement officials have noted cocaine shortages in 37 major U.S. cities this year. Several of the cities report increases in the price of cocaine, suggesting a national supply deficit. (The Advocate)