Pubdate: Wed, 20 Aug 2003
Source: Topsail Voice (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Hamsptead Publishing, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.topsailvoice.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1786
Author: Joe Rigby

HELP SNEADS FERRY GET RID OF ILLEGAL DRUGS

Dear Editor,

Recently a group of Sneads Ferry Citizens formed a group we call Sneads 
Ferry Citizens in Action (SFCIA). The purpose of this group is to work to 
eradicate drug use and drug dealing in our community.

We have a serious problem in Sneads Ferry with both drug dealers and users. 
It is affecting our business environment and our schools.

Almost every crime issue in Sneads Ferry in recent months has been related 
directly or indirectly to drugs, whether it is murder, assault, fights, 
domestic violence, child abuse or robbery. It's time for all citizens to be 
aware of this problem and its impact on Sneads Ferry, and to do something 
about it.

Citizens in Action first wants to make all citizens aware of the problem 
and get them involved in solutions.

Secondly, we want to get the judiciary to stop letting repeat offenders go 
free and instead mete out the punishment that lets the offender know drug 
use and/or dealing is a serious crime in Sneads Ferry and will not be 
tolerated.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) became successful by putting the 
judiciary on notice that their actions were being watched and their records 
in dealing with crime would be reported to the media. We will do that.

Thirdly, we want county law enforcement to get busy helping us solve the 
problem.

It is no great secret where the centers of drug activity are. The patrol 
cars need to be there instead of parked on Highway 172.

We want aggressive action in our schools as well. We need and deserve our 
share of our tax dollars in law enforcement whether it is from local 
sources or officers from the state or federal level.

Sneads Ferry Citizens in Action has established a confidential hot line at 
toll free 866-239-8067 for citizens who want to volunteer to help the group 
or report drug or drug related activity.

Citizens in Action have meetings planned with members of the judiciary law 
enforcement and school officials in the near future. We have applied to a 
foundation for a grant to finance the Citizens-In-Action efforts. Call and 
help rid Sneads Ferry of drugs.

Joe Rigby

Sneads Ferry
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens