Nixon White House Tapes — Conversation 508-006
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 1971 at 8:55 AM
Participants: Nixon, Richard M. (President)
Recording device: Oval Office
Source: https://www.easynixon.org/tapes/508-006

This transcript was generated automatically by AI (WhisperX) and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite it as authoritative.

[0:05] I'd like to see any recommendations which can be made with regard to increasing penalties for suppliers and pushers of drugs.
[0:26] I don't know whether we can do this without addicts who would have to push for, to supply their habit.
[1:02] In this whole field, I know the argument of criminologists is that if the penalty is too stiff, their courts will be less likely to condemn.
[1:25] However, when it comes to the major suppliers of drugs, of narcotics, particularly hard drugs like heroin,
[1:31] I wouldn't support anything up to the death penalty to deal with such people.
[1:53] Of course, I realize the federal statute could only apply to interstate shipments.
[1:57] But this should give us a pretty good handle on the problem.
[2:00] on a urgent basis and give me a recommendation as soon as possible.