Just How Much?

Does the war on drugs cost? I have been wondering. Reading Libby Spencer's blog I find this quote from Jack Cafferty.

What do you suppose the total price tag is for this failed war on drugs? One senior Harvard economist estimates we spend $44 billion a year fighting the war on drugs. He says if they were legal, governments would realize about $33 billion a year in tax revenue. Net swing of $77 billion. Could we use that money today for something else? You bet your ass we could. Plus the cartels would be out of business. Instantly. Goodbye crime and violence.

People are using illegal drugs the war does not work.