Pubdate: Sat, 29 Oct 2005
Source: Sampson Independent, The (NC)
Copyright: 2005, The Sampson Independent
Contact:  http://www.clintonnc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1704
Author: Chris Berendt

SHERIFF: NOT GOING TO GIVE UP TILL DRUG PROBLEM CEASES

Drugs know no boundaries, not only in regards to geography, but to 
gender or age of those who use and sell narcotics. The drug problem 
becomes more prevalent as time passes and local law enforcement 
officials say that drug operations are becoming more sophisticated, 
with increased resources being required to impede drug supply lines.

The problem is in local communities and counties, such as Sampson 
County, and everywhere else, said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.

Red Ribbon Week, observed the last week of October, is nationally 
recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Enrique 
"Kiki" Camarena's memory and the ribbon has become a symbol of 
support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through 
prevention and education programs.

Officials are asking families, neighbors and residents of communities 
to always be aware of their surroundings and speak to their children 
about living a drug-free lifestyle. The week is called "a time for 
gratitude for all the lives that remain drug free, a time to pledge 
to live a safe and drug-free life and a time to remember those we 
have lost in the fight against drugs."

National Red Ribbon Week also serves as a tribute to one of those who 
has lost his life, Camarena, who was kidnapped and brutally tortured 
and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in March 1985.

The drug problem is a serious one, one that is capable of making its 
way into any community, local law enforcement said.

"Drug dealers will use anybody, even if it means giving them some of 
the drugs," said Thornton. "We don't need to having children out 
selling drugs."

It is the responsibility of parents and those in the community to 
report any suspiciousness and monitor possible drug activity in their 
neighborhoods. Parents should monitor what their child is doing every day.

"When they might be going to a friend's house, they might not be 
going to the right friend's house," said Thornton.

Be conscious, aware and nosy, if need be, the sheriff implored.

"It's our responsibility," said Thornton. "I don't put anything past 
anybody today. I'm not going to give up, put up or shut up until we 
have effectively dealt with the drug problem in our county, because 
the safety of our children is at stake."

On Wednesday, local and state authorities announced the federal 
arrests of seven men from Sampson and Duplin counties, the result of 
a drug campaign started in September 2004 that also netted the 
seizure of more than 35 kilograms of cocaine and $500,000 in cash.

In addition to the two sheriff's offices, the Organized Crime Drug 
Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, called Operation El 
Dorado, also involved several other county, state and federal agencies.

The operation, Thornton said, "Just emphasizes the amount of drug 
trafficking coming in and going out of this state. We don't realize 
what all is going on in rural counties until something like this goes on."

Both Thornton and Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace also point to 
recent campaigns such as Operation Goldrush in Wayne County and 
Operation Maple Leaf in Pender and Duplin counties to see the large 
scope of the drug trafficking problem.

Both operations, also OCDETF cases, resulted in the dismantling of 
major drug trafficking such as the one dismantled in Operation El Dorado.

Operation Goldrush involved the seizure of 1,053 pounds of marijuana, 
127 pounds of cocaine, $1.6 million in cash, 11 vehicles and three 
homes. Operation Maple Leaf interrupted the transportation of about 
110 pounds of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana, reportedly a 
month from entering Pender and Duplin counties.
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