Pubdate: Wed, 03 Sep 2003
Source: Topsail Voice (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Hamsptead Publishing, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.topsailvoice.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1786
Author: Connie Pletl

OTHER AREAS LOOK AT FORMING DRUG AWARENESS GROUPS

SNEADS FERRY -- When the Sneads Ferry Citizens in Action group was first 
created some group members said they envisioned their grassroots drug 
awareness effort spreading, much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving did. 
Now citizens in nearby Surf City and Hampstead have contacted SFCIA through 
its hotline number for information on starting groups in their communities.

"This has far surpassed our expectations," said one SFCIA member. "If we 
have our way this will become national, but for the short term we are 
concentrating on local efforts."

SFCIA members and those considering starting action groups have asked not 
to be identified because of potential retributions from illegal drug users 
and dealers.

They have, however, contacted their county Sheriff's Departments and asked 
for advice.

In Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown said he wished every community would 
start a group that would be vigilant about drugs.

SFCIA members say they are in contact with the Sheriff's Department every 
day about tips they have received from the hotline.

Pender County Sheriff Carson Smith said he has been contacted by people 
hoping to start awareness groups and he said he is all for it.

"It's a great idea," said Smith. "I told them I wanted to come to their 
first meeting."

The purpose of SFCIA is to identify drug problems and demand 
accountability. The group is following court cases and will report on the 
outcomes.

One of the means that SFCIA is using to combat the drug problem is a 
toll-free hotline that is monitored by group members.

Callers are asked to report any illegal drug activity and SFCIA members 
will pass the information on to law enforcement officials.

Brown said the hotline can be used as an additional tool in the fight 
against drugs because not everyone feels comfortable calling law enforcement.

"People should always feel that they can call the sheriff," said Brown. 
"But this provides them with an other number they can access."

SFCIA group members and those hoping to start their own groups say they are 
sick of the illegal drug trade and use in their area and have decided to do 
something about it.

The groups plan on sitting in on court cases involving illegal drug dealers 
and users, speaking out at county commissioners' and school board meetings, 
and alerting the police to drug activity.

They say they want to make illegal drug use and sales uncomfortable and 
expensive.

"But we are far from vigilantes, and we have no hidden agenda - we just 
want to make people aware of the drug problem and try to get the drug trade 
out of our town," said a SFCIA member.

Smith said drugs are more prevalent than most people realize and that many 
drug users are using not only marijuana, but other drugs as well.

"There are as many people in Pender County using cocaine as there are using 
marijuana," said Smith, adding that includes both powder and crack cocaine.

Some crimes can also be attributed to drug use, Smith said.

"The majority of larcenies in our county, over 50-percent, are drug 
related," said Smith. "They will steal and trade the goods for crack."

Hampstead, like Sneads Ferry, is unincorporated and depends on the 
Sheriff's Department for law enforcement.

Smith said that his department always has been, and continues to be, tough 
on illegal drug users and sellers, and that he encourages drug awareness 
groups.

"Not only can they help, but they also build a sense of community," he 
said. "And that is always good."

While drugs run rampant through most communities, SFCIA group members say 
that it does not have to be that way.

"Sneads Ferry is not all bad, good people live here too," said one group 
member. "Why let a handful ruin it for the rest?"

The number for the confidential toll free hotline in Sneads Ferry is 
866-239-8067. Citizens can report drug or drug related activity or find get 
information about volunteering with the group.

The number can also be accessed by people in the surrounding communities. 
SFCIA members will relay the information to the proper authorities.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl