WHEELING - An HIV epidemic in southeastern Indiana is forcing the governor of that state to introduce a needle exchange program, something one local advocate believes could help decrease rates of the disease everywhere. The hike in HIV cases in Indiana is being linked to intravenous drug users sharing needles. Locally, residents across the Ohio Valley are battling heroin addiction, and their neighbors are often left cleaning up the mess - including picking up used needles left behind on playgrounds, in parks and on roadways. [continues 502 words]
WHEELING - Vehicles, property and cash used in drug deals can be seized from an alleged offender through due process of law, said Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney Scott Smith on Wednesday. During an April 5 city council meeting, Councilman Barry Crow inquired as to whether city police officers could legally confiscate drug dealers' vehicles during arrests. He believed that taking away dealers' vehicles may help decrease deals in the future. During the meeting, Crow mentioned the East Wheeling neighborhood specifically as a place where out-of-state drug dealers conduct their business. He said he had noticed several different state license plates on vehicles cruising the neighborhood. [continues 431 words]
