Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jan 2006
Source: Sampson Independent, The (NC)
Copyright: 2006, The Sampson Independent
Contact:  http://www.clintonnc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1704
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)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

REMOVING THE BLINDERS ON DRUGS IN SAMPSON COUNTY

Friday night's drug bust on Still Street reiterates two things - one,
that drugs are a serious problem and, two, that our city's police
force is intent on doing all it can to let drug dealers know they may
ply their trade, but there's a good chance they'll get caught doing
it.

Found during the raid was marijuana, cocaine, scales, weapons, cash
and cell phones, the drugs and the paraphernalia to sell illegal
substances to our families, our friends, and most frighteningly, our
children.

That our city leaders and our police officers were able to shut down
another suspected dealer and give neighbors in that community a sense
of safety again is commendable and should show residents from every
corner of our town that things are being done to rid our city of
illegal activity.

Though some may think it an alarmist attitude to talk about the drug
problems in our community, we see it as our way of removing blinders
from those who believe we are free from the problems that plague other
towns and cities.

We are not.

There's a growing number of people using meth as their drug of choice;
marijuana continues to be a problem and, cocaine, crack and heroin
continue to be sold from the poorest neighborhood to the richest.

Drugs know no race or socio-economic class; they have no prejudice.
Nor do dealers care who they sell to or how addicted they become.

But our city officials and our law enforcement officers do care. They
care about our city; they care about our children; and they are
determined to do everything within their power to protect us and wipe
out a problem that causes us all harm.

We may not be able to rid our city of drugs but with the determination
of our leaders and the commitment of our law enforcement, we can sure
keep drug dealers and users on their toes.

And they can be on notice - now and in the future - if you do drugs in
Clinton, or for that matter anywhere in Sampson County - someone is
likely watching you and waiting, patiently, for the mistake that will
land you in jail and your trade with an out of business sign attached.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin