AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS DISCUSS OXYCONTIN ABUSE IN MEETING AT ABINGDON

JONESVILLE - Area law enforcement officials are continuing their efforts
to curb a growing epidemic of OxyContin abuse in Southwest Virginia.

A regional meeting of law enforcement officials concerning abuse of the
prescription painkiller was held Monday in Abingdon.

This was a follow-up to a meeting held a week earlier where more than 100
federal, state and local officials charged with the handling and
enforcement of controlled substances gathered to address the growing drug
abuse problem.

About 80 law enforcement representatives attended the second meeting.

The officials discussed how to move forward with plans to curb abuse of
OxyContin and other prescription drugs.

Three working groups were formed as a result of this meeting.

The first group plans to explore the development and implementation of a
statewide computerized prescription tracking program similar to one used in
Kentucky that tracks prescription drugs that have a high potential for abuse.

Another group will address how to best use analytical personnel that may be
detailed to the area for extended periods of time.

The third group is charged with developing educational and training
programs for the health care community and community leaders who are faced
with the aftermath of drug abuse.

During the meeting, Lee County Commonwealth's Attorney Tammy McElyea shared
information about a community meeting held in Lee County on Friday, where
about 750 people turned out to hear about the dangers of OxyContin abuse.

McElyea said interest is strong in the community, and residents are looking
to get involved in efforts to stem the abuse. Representatives of other
localities shared information regarding concerns in their communities.

Representatives from the Virginia Attorney General's Office reported on a
March 1 meeting with officials from Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of
OxyContin.

It is anticipated that the recommendations coming from the three
subcommittees will be conveyed to a state attorney general's task force
studying the problem.