A number of residents in Talladega and St. Clair counties are speeding - not in their cars, but in their brains and bodies, through the use of crystal methamphetamine. The powerful central nervous system stimulant joins cocaine, marijuana and opiate painkillers such as Lortab, Lorcet, OxyContin and the heroin-like Dilaudid as the most commonly abused illicit drugs and prescription medications in the area, according to law enforcement officials and addiction specialists. Talladega County officials are predicting a future increase in the use of ecstasy, a methamphetamine derivative, especially in young people. [continues 1114 words]
A former Childersburg police officer is willing to give the city's Police Department a dog trained to sniff out drugs, provided the city takes responsibility for the dog's care. Jeremy Lett brought the dog, a 5-year-old German shepherd called Mr. K, to City Hall Monday. Lett and the dog gave the City Council a demonstration where the dog found marijuana and crack cocaine hidden at various places in the hall and in vehicles outside. Lett, who now works for the state Highway Patrol in Tuscaloosa County, said he will donate the dog because he will receive a new one and will not be able to look after both. [continues 647 words]
A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court will allow random drug testing of students involved in extracurricular activities. In addition to saying a monologue or playing a solo, students trying out for the next school play or band may also have to provide a urine or hair sample. If this was to happen in Talladega and St. Clair counties, many students would not mind. "Taking part in extracurricular activities is a privilege. It makes the whole school, team or club look bad if even one person is using," said Jessica Kelley, who will be a junior at Sylacauga High School in August. [continues 1471 words]
TALLADEGA COUNTY - The Talladega County Commission approved a grant application Monday for about $450,000 to fund the startup costs and one year's operation expenses for the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The commission also approved the agreement participating agencies will sign to join the task force. Assistant District Attorney Barry Matson said he expects these agencies will sign the agreement this week. They include the district attorney's office, the Sheriff's Department and the Talladega, Sylacauga, Childersburg and Lincoln police departments. [continues 627 words]
"Drug dealers don't do what they do as a public service. They do it because of the money," said Childersburg Police Chief Chuck Brown. If the lure of easy money is what tempts most people into crime, as Brown said, then that lure looks much more tempting when you don't have any money. Most area law enforcement officials say they believe there is a link between poverty and crime. They believe that not having the opportunity to legally support yourself comfortably - which in essence is what poverty is - - is a strong incentive to turn to illegal means to make a living. [continues 1850 words]
