Pubdate: Sat, 27 May 2006
Source: Herald-Dispatch, The (Huntington, WV)
Copyright: 2006 The Herald-Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.hdonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1454

CITY WOULD BE WISE TO SEEK AID IN ITS DRUG FIGHT

There's nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. That's 
as true for cities as it is for individuals in distress.

That Huntington has a problem with out-of-town drug dealers setting 
up shop here has been known for a long time. That they could turn 
violent and kill innocent people has been known since four teenagers 
were gunned down on Charleston Avenue on May 22, 2005.

Since that terrible morning, local law enforcement agencies have 
regrouped and spent more time concentrating on the drug trade that 
threatens to consume some neighborhoods.

Outside help is available, if only Huntington will ask for it. Why it 
hasn't done so is a mystery to us.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has been credited with cleaning 
up major crack cocaine problems in Steubenville, Ohio, and elsewhere. 
That city asked for the DEA's help, and the DEA responded by sending 
its Mobile Enforcement Team to town.

Huntington has yet to request the DEA's assistance.

Then there's New Castle, Pa., which has a Detroit connection similar 
to Huntington's, or perhaps worse. That city has made some progress 
in its drug war. Mayor Wayne Alexander said he has tried to contact 
Huntington Police Chief Gene Bumgardner and has invited Huntington 
Mayor David Felinton to New Castle to share experiences and 
strategies, but he has received no response.

The fight against the drug trade is beyond the resources of any one 
community. Huntington doesn't have the manpower, the connections or 
the experience with the hardest cases to mount a long-term offensive. 
The federal government has those resources, and other communities 
have the experience.

If the DEA is willing and able to mount a coordinated campaign in 
Huntington, by all means, the city should ask for it. And when other 
cities make overtures that could lead to cooperation and help, by all 
means, the city should respond.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman