Pubdate: Thu, 26 Apr 2001
Source: Daily Item (PA)
Copyright: 2001 The Daily Item
Contact:  http://www.dailyitem.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1045

HEROIN

Combining efforts could help rid problem

The recent arrests of nearly 18 people on charges relating to heroin 
dealings should come as bittersweet news for residents of the Watsontown 
area. Sweet because the arrests show area police hot on the trail of a very 
dangerous illegal drug.

Bitter because so many arrests could indicate a much bigger drug problem in 
a small town.

Of course, the outcome of each case will be determined by the judicial 
process. None of those arrested has been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Police still are to be congratulated, however the cases turn out. Judging 
by initial reports, the drug task force spent months on the streets 
gathering evidence.

Rural police forces are at a disadvantage when "big-city" problems like 
gangs or rampant drugs come knocking. Often understaffed and underfunded, 
they usually can not undertake big investigative efforts by themselves.

But the task force shows that by pooling resources, even small police 
departments can pull off big-time operations.

When battling the influx of heroin, those kinds of operations are needed to 
show there are drastic legal consequences to dealing and using the drug.

Heroin, however, is far more than just a legal issue. Law enforcement 
efforts are an important component of the fight, but never will be 
sufficient to stop the drug.

Local police seem to be doing their part. Now it is up to the rest of the 
community to step up efforts on other fronts. Only by combining community 
involvement, education and treatment efforts with law enforcement will the 
growing scourge of heroin be brought under control.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens