Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jan 2003
Source: Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram (WV)
Contact  http://www.exponent-telegram.com/
Address: Clarksburg Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2000, Clarksburg, WV 26302
Copyright: Clarksburg Publishing Company 2003
Author: Patrick Martin

'OPERATION BRICKLAYER' MAKING STREETS SAFER

Area law enforcement personnel certainly have "taken a bite out of crime" 
here in North Central West Virginia in recent weeks, especially along the 
I-79 Corridor.

Several arrests were made in November in connection with "Operation 
Bricklayer," which was an 11-month investigation into drug activity in the 
region -- mainly heroin and cocaine trafficking.

And just this past week, several individuals entered guilty pleas in 
federal court before Chief U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley that stemmed 
from those same arrests.

U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Johnston, as well as other officials, deserve 
praise for getting these criminals off our streets and out of our 
neighborhoods.

The pernicious effects of drug use in our communities have been well 
documented. Therefore, efforts by law enforcement agencies and our judicial 
system to reduce the flow of drugs here is greatly appreciated.

"Operation Bricklayer" netted 12 prosecutions in federal court and at least 
three others in state circuit court, according to a source close to the 
investigation.

Another source had said that the investigation was carried out after 
several fatalities from heroin-related overdoses.

More pleas are expected in these drug cases, which were investigated by the 
Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and officers from the 
Fairmont Police Department, the Monongah Police Department and the Drug 
Enforcement Administration. Others offering assistance were Marion County 
Prosecuting Attorney Susan Riffle and the Pittsburgh Police Department. The 
U.S. Marshals Service also deserves mention for aiding in the arrests in 
these cases.

Johnston said that "cooperation among officials and agencies at all levels 
is the cornerstone of our law enforcement efforts. 'Operation Bricklayer' 
has been an outstanding example of that cooperation."

We hope Johnston can continue to count on area agencies to coordinate their 
efforts to battle the scourge of illegal drug use in North Central West 
Virginia.

 From what we've seen so far, our region seems to be blessed with competent 
officials who are serious about stopping drug trafficking. Keep up the good 
work.

Patrick Martin
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