Pubdate: Sat, 29 Jun 2002
Source: Erie Times-News (PA)
Copyright: 2002 Erie Times-News
Contact:  http://www.goerie.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1347

TACTICAL WIN IN REGIONAL DRUG WAR

Federal and state agents, with help from the Erie police, Pennsylvania 
State Police, and the Erie County Sheriff's Department, arrested more than 
30 people in a drug sweep. A total of 41 face charges. The agents 
confiscated $1.6 worth of cocaine, marijuana, and anabolic steroids.

The arrests broke up two cooperating drug rings that had brought more than 
$5 million in cocaine into the region, and which had ties to drug sources 
in Florida and Canada.

This is a tactical victory, not a strategic one. The law of supply and 
demand applies. Other criminals will no doubt try to satisfy the customers 
of the now-defunct drug rings. But that is another, larger issue.In the 
meantime, an extensive criminal enterprise has been shut down, and the 
accused must face the courts.

The investigation also revealed that former Erie policeman Sean Perseo was 
in contact with one of the principal figures arrested. Police agents 
recorded Perseo's telephone calls to the accused drug dealer.

Perseo was not arrested in the drug probe. He says he did nothing illegal. 
That is not the point. The evidence introduced at Perseo's trial for rape 
last year (he was acquitted) shows such defects of character and judgment 
that no one should want him to wear a badge again. Ever. This new 
revelation is more of the same, something else that must be explained away.

Perseo must choose another career.
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MAP posted-by: Beth