CITY KNOWS DRUG FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER

Spartanburg police officers know a drug investigation takedown this week
that put dozens -- from alleged street-to supply-level drug dealers --
behind bars isn't the end.

"At some point it's going to surface again," Col. Ray Murray said of the
local illegal drug industry.

After all, this week's massive arrests developed despite a similar
investigation with federal, state and local agencies five years ago.

In 1996, the mobile enforcement team, or MET, under the Drug Enforcement
Administration directed an intensive investigation in Spartanburg. They
boosted manpower and brought in state-of-the-art equipment.

Twenty-nine people were indicted on federal drug-related charges, and
investigators traced drugs to New York City. Police leaders developed plans
to fight new dealers.

Years later, problems again compelled Public Safety Director Tony Fisher to
request help from the DEA.

The good news is the illegal drug business often loses strength in the
rebuilding process. Rebuilding happens if major players dodge arrest or
underlings step into the shoes of their old superiors.

But when the DEA's MET team returns to a city -- as they did to Spartanburg
- -- agents say problems are, at most, about the same as before, said Herbert
Warren, assistant special agent in charge.

He couldn't quantify the difference between Spartanburg in 1996 and this
year, but Fisher says crime rates have decreased 26 percent in five years.

Warren did say the return of a MET sends a message that the investigation
is not "all over," Warren said.

The investigation made public this week was a cooperative effort of MET,
city officers, sheriff's deputies, the State Law Enforcement Division, the
FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Secret Service.

More than 40 people had been arrested between May and Wednesday on charges
ranging from possession of drugs -- a state offense -- to federal drug
charges that could carry a sentence of life in prison.

And the arrests continue. Thursday morning police took Bryant Copeland into
custody on federal drug charges.

"We are committed to working toward eradicating our city of drugs," Murray
said. "We will keep after them (drug dealers) constantly."