PLANO GALVANIZES TO BATTLE HEROIN

1,500 attend meeting called by police

By Linda Stewart Ball / The Dallas Morning News

PLANO The Police Department, saying it needed help to fight a growing
heroin problem in the suburbs, sent out a 911 call Thursday night, and more
than 1,500 people responded.

The recent heroin deaths of at least 11 youths with Plano ties spurred many
to action. The latest victim was 16yearold Plano Senior High School
junior, Erin Baker, who died of a suspected heroin overdose in Denton Sunday.

The issue also has garnered the attention of the national news media, who
have made inquiries about the cases.

Plano Police Chief Bruce Glasscock stressed to the standingroomonly crowd
at the Plano Centre that heroin was not just a Plano problem.

"It is a DallasFort Worth problem. It is a Texas problem. It is a problem
in the United States of America," he said. He said that by working
together, he was confident a solution could be found.

Amanda Blaquiere, 16, one of hundreds of teens who attended the meeting,
said she, too, was optimistic.

"There are so many people here from Plano. I think it's awesome."

Another student, Brittany Croson, 17, said young people "are not listening.
We think we're invincible."

People came with their children and grandchildren. There were educators and
ministers, politicians and housewives who expressed emotions ranging from
curiosity and concern to fear and anger. And for some, there still remained
a bit of denial, officials said.

But Plano police Officer Rick Moore, reminded parents that "the strongest
drug on the face of the earth is denial."

He told the young people in the audience that if they really cared about
friends who are using heroin, they would tell an adult who could see that
the drug users get professional help.

"If you don't," said Officer Moore, the police liaison to Plano East Senior
High. "You're going to have a lot of guilt."

His and numerous other statements sent thunderous applause through the
cavernous hall. This was the largest heroin education awareness program
sponsored by the Plano police.

Stretched across the top of the stage was a banner on which a red stop sign
was posted. It signaled the creation of a new hotline, (972) 461STOP,
which callers can use to report drug dealers in Plano to the narcotics unit.

Paul Villaescusa, an agent with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency,
agreed. He said the higher purity levels of heroin make it all the more
lethal today. Young people who think they can lessen its potency by cutting
it with antihistamines are taking a big risk, he said.

Dr. Larry Patton, a pediatric addiction specialist, told parents that if
they wait until they actually see their children using drugs before they
seek treatment, it might be too late.

Users often start with marijuana, tobacco or alcohol and work their way to
heroin. Once they try the narcotic, they get hooked and their body craves
more, Dr. Patton said.

Students who wear long sleeves to hide needle marks, become apathetic, or
suffer memory loss or poor grades, may have serious drug problems, Dr.
Patton said.

One of the most poignant voices heard Thursday night was that of Barbara
Shaunfield, whose 22yearold son, Matt, died of a heroin overdose while
away at college in Utah last year.

The Plano mother encouraged others to never give up on their children.

"Keep trying no matter what it takes," she said. "Keep the lines of
communication open."

To the young people she said, "don't start it. Don't start the heroin. It's
not going to have a happy ending."