LOCAL : State Laws Will Have Teeth, Wilson Tells Narcotics Officers

Sen. Pete Wilson, speaking to a convention of narcotics officers at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel today, promised tougher drug laws and greater support for law enforcement if his bid for governor is successful.

“We are going to change the law of California,” Wilson said. “It will no longer be toothless.”

He pointed out disparities between federal and state drug laws, including sentences for the same offense. In federal court, for example, possession of five grams of cocaine carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison; in state court it is 60 days in jail.

Wilson received the endorsement of the California Narcotics Officers Assn., which made him an honorary member two years ago.

After his speech, Wilson repeated his challenge to opponent Dianne Feinstein to abide by the campaign contribution limits set by the recently overturned Proposition 73. But he also suggested that if necessary he would go back to his contributors who had already reached the Proposition 73 limits and ask for more money.