PORTALES -- The number of cocaine-related arrests is on the rise, according to Portales Police officials. Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry gave some examples: n A recent drug bust near the city park uncovered 50 to 54 baggies of prepackaged cocaine. n A search warrant executed May 27 netted several arrested and the recovery of 60 grams of cocaine. n In April, an ounce of crack cocaine was seized. Portales Police Department Chief Jeff Gill said 129 individuals have been arrested on drug-related charges since May 2005, and the more prevalent drug in those arrests is cocaine. [continues 255 words]
The Portales City Council inched closer Tuesday to passing an ordinance that would place restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter cold and sinus medicines believed to be used in methamphetamine production. The council unanimously approved a motion to put the ordinance to vote. First the council must conduct a public hearing for the ordinance, which is being pushed by the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office. The hearing is scheduled for the council's Aug. 16 meeting. The Roosevelt County Commission already passed an intent for a meth ordinance in July. [continues 358 words]
A new drug and alcohol prevention program at Valencia Elementary will be one of the first programs introduced to a New Mexico school, according to Roosevelt County Teen Court Coordinator Barbara Rogers. Rogers was in training with two other facilitators -- Marcia Brown, DWI Program coordinator ,and Riki Seat, DWI Compliance coordinator for Roosevelt County -- on Tuesday afternoon with 10 fourth-grade teachers at Valencia Elementary. Rogers said the Hobbs School District had the only other school which was going to implement the program in New Mexico this fall. [continues 598 words]
