Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 Source: Keystone, The (PA) Copyright: 2005 The Keystone Contact: http://keystoneonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2894 Author: Matthew J. Rhein Assistant News Editor Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS NO TO DRUGS KUTZTOWN-Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett emphasized his campaign against drug use Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Boehm 145. About 100 students from Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology classes filled the lecture hall for his 11:00 a.m. speech, sponsored by KU's Criminal Justice Association. Corbett elaborated on why he focused on drug use, saying, "[Illegal drugs] lead to about 60-70 percent of other crime." Corbett explained the importance of educating students on drug abuse and punishments for related crimes. "Most [students] remember having D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) in fifth grade. But that was a long time ago. We have to continue to reinforce drug education," said Corbett. He included his idea of instituting additional drug education classes in middle and high schools. Corbett said that by educating students, the possibility for addiction decreases. He reinforced the notion that marijuana is a gateway drug and when "that high doesn't become enough, you turn to meth[amphetamines] or heroin or cocaine." Corbett cited an example of a man, Dennis "Dapper Don" Stepney of Throop, Lackawanna County, who was arrested for possession of over 100 pounds of marijuana. "He was making millions of dollars selling drugs. He could have been making millions of dollars in a legitimate business," said Corbett. Discussing his drug prevention plans seemed his strength, but Corbett also told students other aspects of his job. According to Corbett, his office has two main branches-consumer protection and criminal affairs. The consumer protection branch covers issues such as price gauging; most recently they're pursuing gas stations. The branch also protects consumers from dishonest drug and insurance companies who overcharge. The criminal section requires the most work and, as a result, is where the majority of agents are employed. According to Corbett, in addition to the 140 drug enforcement agents, approximately 100 agents deal with criminal investigations. Other areas Corbett and criminal investigators target are online predators, organized crime and environmental issues. "The number one reason for government is to instill order, to prevent chaos. My role as Attorney General is to enforce that government and to ensure public safety," he said. "As the Attorney General you don't have to look for work, it finds you." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake