SANTA CLARA, Calif.—One of California’s largest non-profit law enforcement training associations has recognized the work of one man in the fight against drug abuse.
On Oct. 24, the California Narcotic Officers’ Association awarded Frank Lee the San Francisco Bay Area and California Citizen of the Year Award. Lee is the president of the Organization for Justice and Equality and Bay Area Director of the California Coalition Against Drugs.
He is recognized for his efforts to fight against drug abuse, especially marijuana.
“It’s very encouraging. It really reflects that our hard work is recognized,” said Lee.
“We believe that Frank is more than deserved to receive this award due to his assiduousness, capability, leadership, and excellent accomplishments in the fight against drugs, especially marijuana! Frank has been running the extra mile for the cause and is indeed outstanding in leading us in different battles against drugs,” a press release from the Organization for Justice and Equality said.
Lee said he and his organizations worked closely with the California Narcotic Officers’ Association and met with successful results.
“The two major ones include defeating a bill which, if approved, would allow legal drug injection centers to be operating in San Francisco, paving the way for eventual legalization of all drugs in the nation.”
Lee was referring to Assembly Bill 362, which aimed to create safe injection sites in San Francisco. But those opposed said it would increase drug use.
The second major success relates to a bill called SB 625 that was blocked. It would have allowed smoking marijuana on public transportation. Assembly Bill 1810 declared that illegal.
“If we allow smoking of pot in public transportation vehicles, then step by step, they would go in all public places, rendering California uninhabitable,” said Lee.
He and his organizations are concerned about the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, also known as the SAFE Banking Act of 2019.
“If approved, [it] would allow marijuana companies to use banks as if they were legalized companies. So this is very serious. This will expedite the growth of the marijuana industry. And also it would pave the way for eventual legalization of marijuana in the whole nation,” he said.
The bill is making progress at the federal level. Lee urged citizens to call or write to their senators with their concerns.
For those who want to fight against marijuana, Lee encouraged people to cooperate with city officials, leaders, and police to maintain their quality of life.