TACKLING THE DRUG TRADE

CULLMAN - Area law enforcement agents got the attention of Cullman
County's drug culture when they rounded up 96 people on charges
ranging from manufacturing to possession last week.

Will the sweeping arrests bring illegal drug activity to a close in
Cullman County? No. But perhaps this is the beginning of a tireless
effort to do something about a problem that destroys the lives of far
too many people in our area.

Cullman County Sheriff Mike Rainey and Cullman Narcotics Enforcement
Team director Joey Cone led a press conference after the arrests were
announced and discussed the planning that was required to make such a
large impact on the drug trade. A lot of people are grateful to see
the arrests, and plenty of support exists in the community for law
enforcement agencies to continue this cooperative effort in attacking
the drug dealers across the county.

The drug arrests covered a wide range of offenses, from manufacturing
methamphetamine to possession of marijuana. The question that arises
following the arrests is how to prevent offenders from continuing to
peddle or purchase drugs. Rehabilitation is expensive and hard to come
by. Making meth is a relatively simple task that produces plenty of
income for those who can't find the motivation to earn an honest
living. County jails and state prisons are also crowded and lack
funding, too. But law enforcement agents are doing their job. Sheriff
Rainey noted that one of the main reasons he sought elected office was
to go after the drug trade in Cullman County. Law enforcement officers
have a wide range of duties they must perform in serving the public,
but making a serious dent in the drug traffic across the county
certainly should be the top priority, as Rainey noted. Cullman County
has capable investigators to tackle the job. They will continue to
need assistance from citizens, who must also be courageous in
reporting activities that appear to be drug-related in their
communities. Along with this focused enforcement effort, area leaders
should also give thought to providing more rehabilitation for drug
users. Cutting demand for these life-destroying substances is key in
making a reduction in the drug trade.