SHERIFF: NOT GOING TO GIVE UP TILL DRUG PROBLEM CEASES

Drugs know no boundaries, not only in regards to geography, but to
gender or age of those who use and sell narcotics. The drug problem
becomes more prevalent as time passes and local law enforcement
officials say that drug operations are becoming more sophisticated,
with increased resources being required to impede drug supply lines.

The problem is in local communities and counties, such as Sampson
County, and everywhere else, said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.

Red Ribbon Week, observed the last week of October, is nationally
recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Enrique
"Kiki" Camarena's memory and the ribbon has become a symbol of
support for the DEA's efforts to reduce demand for drugs through
prevention and education programs.

Officials are asking families, neighbors and residents of communities
to always be aware of their surroundings and speak to their children
about living a drug-free lifestyle. The week is called "a time for
gratitude for all the lives that remain drug free, a time to pledge
to live a safe and drug-free life and a time to remember those we
have lost in the fight against drugs."

National Red Ribbon Week also serves as a tribute to one of those who
has lost his life, Camarena, who was kidnapped and brutally tortured
and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in March 1985.

The drug problem is a serious one, one that is capable of making its
way into any community, local law enforcement said.

"Drug dealers will use anybody, even if it means giving them some of
the drugs," said Thornton. "We don't need to having children out
selling drugs."

It is the responsibility of parents and those in the community to
report any suspiciousness and monitor possible drug activity in their
neighborhoods. Parents should monitor what their child is doing every day.

"When they might be going to a friend's house, they might not be
going to the right friend's house," said Thornton.

Be conscious, aware and nosy, if need be, the sheriff implored.

"It's our responsibility," said Thornton. "I don't put anything past
anybody today. I'm not going to give up, put up or shut up until we
have effectively dealt with the drug problem in our county, because
the safety of our children is at stake."

On Wednesday, local and state authorities announced the federal
arrests of seven men from Sampson and Duplin counties, the result of
a drug campaign started in September 2004 that also netted the
seizure of more than 35 kilograms of cocaine and $500,000 in cash.

In addition to the two sheriff's offices, the Organized Crime Drug
Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, called Operation El
Dorado, also involved several other county, state and federal agencies.

The operation, Thornton said, "Just emphasizes the amount of drug
trafficking coming in and going out of this state. We don't realize
what all is going on in rural counties until something like this goes on."

Both Thornton and Duplin County Sheriff Blake Wallace also point to
recent campaigns such as Operation Goldrush in Wayne County and
Operation Maple Leaf in Pender and Duplin counties to see the large
scope of the drug trafficking problem.

Both operations, also OCDETF cases, resulted in the dismantling of
major drug trafficking such as the one dismantled in Operation El Dorado.

Operation Goldrush involved the seizure of 1,053 pounds of marijuana,
127 pounds of cocaine, $1.6 million in cash, 11 vehicles and three
homes. Operation Maple Leaf interrupted the transportation of about
110 pounds of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana, reportedly a
month from entering Pender and Duplin counties.