HEROIN

Combining efforts could help rid problem

The recent arrests of nearly 18 people on charges relating to heroin
dealings should come as bittersweet news for residents of the Watsontown
area. Sweet because the arrests show area police hot on the trail of a very
dangerous illegal drug.

Bitter because so many arrests could indicate a much bigger drug problem in
a small town.

Of course, the outcome of each case will be determined by the judicial
process. None of those arrested has been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Police still are to be congratulated, however the cases turn out. Judging
by initial reports, the drug task force spent months on the streets
gathering evidence.

Rural police forces are at a disadvantage when "big-city" problems like
gangs or rampant drugs come knocking. Often understaffed and underfunded,
they usually can not undertake big investigative efforts by themselves.

But the task force shows that by pooling resources, even small police
departments can pull off big-time operations.

When battling the influx of heroin, those kinds of operations are needed to
show there are drastic legal consequences to dealing and using the drug.

Heroin, however, is far more than just a legal issue. Law enforcement
efforts are an important component of the fight, but never will be
sufficient to stop the drug.

Local police seem to be doing their part. Now it is up to the rest of the
community to step up efforts on other fronts. Only by combining community
involvement, education and treatment efforts with law enforcement will the
growing scourge of heroin be brought under control.