Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 Source: Lansing State Journal (MI) Copyright: 2006 Lansing State Journal Contact: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/contactus/newsroom/letter.html Website: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/232 Author: Kimberly Beary MANCHIN GIVES MONEY FOR DRUG CRACKDOWN Governor Manchin Put Drug Dealers On Notice In His State Of The State Address Fueled by the recent youth deaths caused by drugs, Governor Joe Manchin announces the State Police will receive a shot in the arm for their anti-drug efforts. "We're elated," said Lt. David Lemmon of the Governor's dedication of 1 million dollars to the agency. "The state police and law enforcement in this state have always been sincere in its efforts in attempting to battle this problem," said Trooper with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, "Now we're being given the opportunity to increase our effectiveness and we're excited to do it for them." Troopers say marijuana is the number one drug of choice in West Virginia followed by crack cocaine. The money has not yet been allocated. Troopers tell 13 News, more drug buys, more equipment and and more Troopers will likely be part of the plan. According to the latest statistics from the State police, there were over 58-hundred drug related arrests last year. Troopers say since many other crimes are committed in order to pay for drugs so shutting down the dealers will have a positive chain reaction when it comes to other crimes. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman