Pubdate: Wed, 01 May 2002
Source: Kentucky Post (KY)
Copyright: 2002 Kentucky Post
Contact:  http://www.kypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/661

SENDING A MESSAGE

The simultaneous roundups of street-level drug dealers Monday in Covington 
and Newport undoubtedly sent the message Mayor Butch Callery said he intended.

"We want to put out the word that we're not going to tolerate drugs in the 
community," he said after 60 officers from federal, state and local police 
agencies swept in on Covington's Eastside neighborhood and Newport Housing 
Authority apartments.

Investigations conducted over several months in the two cities resulted in 
warrants for the arrest of more than 60 people. Drugs, money and weapons 
were seized in the roundups that saw more than 40 people arrested over two 
days. More arrests are expected.

The crackdown was welcomed by concerned residents of the two neighborhoods 
who have long complained about the growing drug trade and prostitution and 
violence that often goes hand in hand with it. They have clamored for 
stepped up policing.

Many who live in the neighborhood say the problem rests not with residents 
but with dealers who use their neighborhood to sell drugs to people who 
come in from the outside.

They know that the drug trade is a cancer that must be removed to ensure 
their neighborhoods are safe places where elderly residents can walk about 
without fear, children can play outdoors and families can feel secure in 
their homes.

The roundup sends a loud and clear message that the malignancy of drugs 
won't be tolerated.

But to get through, the message must be sent over and over again. The 
police presence and pressure must be kept on and, most important, concerned 
residents must stand united with police to root out those who would ruin 
their neighborhood.
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MAP posted-by: Ariel