Portugal's drug policy pays off; US eyes lessons

Barry Hatton & Martha Mendoza
The Associated Press
Sunday, December 26, 2010

The United States, which has waged a 40-year, $1 trillion war on drugs, is looking for answers in tiny Portugal, which is reaping the benefits of what once looked like a dangerous gamble. White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske visited Portugal in September to learn about its drug reforms, and other countries – including Norway, Denmark, Australia and Peru – have taken interest, too.