Pubdate: Sun, 21 Jun 2009
Source: Mississippi Press, The (MS)
Copyright: 2009 Mississippi Press
Contact:  http://www.gulflive.com/mississippipress/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2254

OPERATION PUTS DENT IN DRUG TRADE

Local law enforcement officers should be commended for  the major dent
they put in Jackson County's bustling  drug trade last week.

The three-month undercover sting, dubbed Operation Moon  Burn, peaked
on Wednesday when authorities rounded up  52 of 116 suspects. More
arrests certainly will follow.  Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd
described those  arrested as "serious drug dealers" and a mixture of 
"small fish and big fish."

It would not have been such a success without the  ongoing cooperation
of the Jackson County Narcotics  Task Force, the sheriff's office and
the police  departments of Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs  and
Gautier.

Operation Moon Burn was also credited for the recent  closing of the
K&A Convenience Store on Ladnier Road in  Gautier where illegal drugs
were allegedly being sold  over the counter.

Authorities said other area convenience stores were  engaged in
similar activity and more businesses could  be closed soon. Officers
also seized cocaine,  methamphetamine, peyote, marijuana, handguns and
cash  in the operation.

Citizens are weary of drug activity on their street  corners and
inside their stores. Operation Moon Burn is  a comforting reminder
that authorities are working  diligently to combat this never-ending
problem in our  communities. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr