FIGHT AGAINST METH NOT OVER IN SAMPSON

Even prior to this week's announcement of federal indictments on eight
local individuals for methamphetamine trafficking, many may have
already known the meth trade in Sampson had been dealt a significant
blow. And the fight is not over.

At the end of February, less than two months into 2008, Sampson County
Sheriff's authorities were dealing with their 12th meth lab of the
year. There have been just 12 more in the 10 months since.

"I think we were having an epidemic in Sampson County," said U.S.
Attorney George E.B. Holding, who received a call from Sampson County
Sheriff Jimmy Thornton in late February. Thornton said the problem had
gotten out of hand. Recalling a promise made at a conference in 2006
by Holding to provide assistance in combating the drug problem, the
sheriff took him up on the offer.

The subsequent case put together by the Sheriff's Office, State Bureau
of Investigation and U.S. Attorney's Office, dubbed "Operation Juiced
Out," could put several people behind bars for significant sentences.

Thornton said a strong message has already been sent with the federal
prosecution of the eight people law officials have deemed the worst of
the meth traffickers in the county.

"We've brought out every tool in the toolbox to hit this as hard as we
could, as quiet as we could, when the sheriff saw that spike," said
Holding.

Those taken into custody "were making much more than the normal amount
of meth."

Each entered guilty pleas over the last three months to conspiracy to
distributing and possession with intent to distribute meth, and well
as possession of a firearm in a drug trafficking crime.

Each faces minimum sentences of 10 years. Life in prison is not out of
the question.

"We were looking to have the biggest impact we can in the county,"
said U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding. "We thought if we can clean up
this ring, that would make the most impact in the community. I'm sure
these arrests have definitely had an impact, and has rippled
throughout the criminal undercurrent in Sampson County."

And that message will continue.

"We're prosecuting more defendants than has historically been the
case," said Holding. "If there is a need, we look forward to
prosecuting it."

Thornton said the heavy-handed prosecution is a necessary action, so
that the consequences of manufacturing and trafficking a toxic drug
such as meth would be known. Not only by those who are facing federal
prison time, but by those who could be next.

This is their warning, said Thornton.

The sheriff said he has been grateful for Sampson County citizens who
take stock in their communities, and are aware of suspicious activity
and willing to contact law enforcement when they detect any. Thornton
credited the Sampson County Methamphetamine Task Force with helping
residents know what indicators tip off the presence of meth activity.

"The general public got pretty well in-tune as to what to look for,"
he said. "We've been pretty fortunate in this county to get a lot of
input from the community."

And they should know that this is not a one-time occurrence, Thornton
said.

"Operation Juiced Out" is not over by any means, the sheriff
attests.

"This operation is ongoing," said Holding, "and we'll see where it
takes us."