Monday's multi-million dollar cocaine bust is significant and for many reasons. It's significant in that it shows yet again how diligent our law enforcement officers are in tracking down suspected drug dealers and shutting down their operation. Over the past few years, and particularly in the last few months, we've seen more and more suspects taken into custody and larger and larger amounts of drugs seized, along with money and oftentimes weapons. We continue to praise local law enforcement officers for their diligence in working every lead, looking underneath every rock and persistently tracking down those believed to be responsible for traffficking in large amounts of marijuna and cocaine, and them attempting to break the kilos down into smaller quantities to sell to our friends, family and neighbors. [continues 339 words]
Methamphetamine use in Sampson County is growing by shocking leaps. The number of clandestine meth labs found in our county in 2005 nearly doubled the amount found in the previous three years. Sampson County is tied for seventh most labs found in the state and the highest of any county in N.C. east of Watauga County. It's destroying families and ruining the lives of young and old alike. With one hit, addiction can come. With one mistake, death can occur. [continues 366 words]
