The Region - News from July 17, 1986

Continuing his recent focus on drug abuse in his race against Gov. George Deukmejian, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley proposed mandatory prison sentences for rock cocaine dealers. Calling rock cocaine, or “crack,” a “modern day plague,” Bradley said he wants state laws changed to place the drug in a category similar to heroin or PCP, with required prison time for anyone convicted of selling the drug or possessing 5 grams intended for sale. Currently, a dealer would have to be caught with 57 grams before being subject to a mandatory prison term, he said.