Pubdate: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 Source: Register-Herald, The (WV) Copyright: 2002 The Register-Herald Contact: http://www.register-herald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids) Sweep SALUTE GOES OUT TO OFFICERS INVOLVED IN RECENT DRUG RAIDS Just a little over a week ago, Beckley police joined forces with the Tri-lateral Drug Enforcement Network Team (TRIDENT) and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Department to conduct a major drug sweep in the city of Beckley. Armed with warrants, the officers swept into the areas of the city known for the heavy drug traffic and began taking dealers and users into custody. The sweep followed a summer crackdown on prostitution in Beckley. Much of the drug activity in Beckley - and its related crimes - takes place in several concentrated areas. The majority of the city's residents seldom see the deals, the propositioning and other sordid acts that are connected to drugs. But there are peaceful, law-abiding citizens who live in these areas, too. And they want no part of the drug life. Some may say the police were just doing their job. That's true. But, when police go on sweeps like this, they don't know what they may find. It could be a docile collar who comes along peacefully. Or it could be a major dealer who doesn't want his turf stepped on who greets the cops with bullets. The streets of Beckley are a little cleaner today than they were a week ago. And for that we thank you, officers. Keep up the good work. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D