The Nation - News from June 23, 1988

Florida Gov. Bob Martinez announced plans to appoint a drug czar who would be the nation’s first state-level coordinator of the campaign against illegal narcotics. “Florida’s drug problem won’t get any better unless we develop tougher and more creative policies and penalties,” Martinez told reporters in announcing the post. Martinez, a Republican first-term governor, said he wants the drug czar to consider using Florida National Guard troops to stem the flow of drugs into the state.