Pubdate: Mon, 17 Nov 2003 Source: Sun Herald (MS) Copyright: 2003, The Sun Herald Contact: http://www.sunherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432 Author: Tracy Dash PICAYUNE STEPS UP DRUG FIGHT The Picayune Police Department is taking an aggressive approach to stop drug activity in its community. The department recently implemented a three-phase operation that includes prevention and education, enforcement and apprehension, and counseling and rehabilitation. The department already has seen results from the first phase with the graduation Tuesday of more than 300 students who completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. The second phase involves police officers using every drug enforcement technique available, including state-of-the-art technical equipment, covert and overt operations, and "good solid police work," said Chief Jim Luke. During the third phase, the Police Department will organize a panel of experts in drug counseling and rehabilitation who will hold town meetings to discuss drug problems affecting the community and resolve existing drug problems. "Drugs are killing our loved ones, destroying the minds of our children and are the major cause of crimes committed in our community," Luke said. "I will not be soft on those bringing drugs into our community. We will search you out, the law will be enforced, arrests will be forthcoming and the strongest penalties (will be) requested of the courts." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin