TASK FORCE FILES HUNDREDS OF DRUG CHARGES

The Beaufort County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force continues to
make undercover controlled drug buys and take dealers and users off
the street one at a time, but it is a perhaps never-ending effort,
said Sheriff P.J. Tanner. The Sheriff's Office on Monday released its
year-end report of the task force's activity for 2003, showing
hundreds of charges. But Tanner says their work has just begun.

The numbers tell "only part of the story," Tanner said. They only show
where the task force met success in fighting drugs in Beaufort County,
but cannot tell the tale of thriving drug businesses that operate
under the radar of police.

Master Sgt. Jo Jo Woodward, the task force's drug commander, said
intelligence, undercover operations and a bit of luck will slowly chip
away at the drug problem in Beaufort County.

"We only gotta be lucky one day a year, whereas (criminals) have to be
lucky every day of the year," Woodward said.

In 2003, the task force seized $79,424 in cash, vehicles valued at
$43,161, and 27 weapons, and filed 613 drug-related charges, according
to the year-end report.

Most of the charges, 314, were for possession of marijuana. Crack and
cocaine dealers also took a hit: 66 charges were filed for sale and
distribution of crack cocaine and 26 charges were filed for possession
with intent to distribute crack cocaine; while 12 charges were filed
for sale and distribution of cocaine and 19 charges were filed for
possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the Sheriff's Office
said.

In 2003, most of the drug offenses, 167, occurred on Hilton Head
Island. The Sheriff's Office reported 113 drug-related charges in
Beaufort; 79 in Burton; 115 on St. Helena and Lady's islands; 77 in
unincorporated Bluffton; 15 in Bluffton; 33 in Sheldon, Dale and
Yemassee; and one in Port Royal.

Tanner said he thinks 80 percent of crimes are related to drugs as
addicts seek ways to support their habits.

The task force includes an undisclosed number of officers from the
Sheriff's Office and a Beaufort Police Department officer. To
anonymously report a suspected drug crime, call 757-1575, ext. 300.