DRUG ROADBLOCK WORKS AGAIN

INDIANAPOLIS - Just about everyone agrees Indianapolis could use
more police officers. It's up to the mayor and council members to
determine how many are needed.

While that debate continues, police officers are using creative ways
to crackdown on drug use, and they believe drug roadblocks are working.

Police meant business on the city's south side as they looked for
drugs on the road.

Drivers headed north on I-65 were in for a surprise when they saw a
sign warning of a drug checkpoint a mile ahead. The only exit to
escape was the one at Morris Street, and that's where more than a
dozen officers waited for drivers who thought they were getting away.

During the five-hour roadblock, officers made 29 arrests and collected
several baggies of marijuana. Police also caught drivers with
suspended licenses.

Neighbors near Fountain Square, like Sharon Ping, were pleased to see
the police department's beefed up presence. "I think it's great,
they're cleaning up the neighborhoods."

Officers used binoculars on the interstate to watch for drivers and
passengers sudden movements.

Syringes were thrown from one car window, and another driver tried to
hide a pipe. A few moments later police stopped another car and opened
the water cooler. There was marijuana inside.

The drug roadblocks are a spin-off of the successful DUI checkpoints.
Police chief Michael Zunk believes they're working. "I think it
sends the message that we are serious about finding drugs and keeping
drugs from coming to Indy."

This is the city's fourth road block, and with dozens and dozens of
arrests, police call it a success and plan to set up more in the future.

Police say they plan to set up another drug roadblock later this week.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry