PROPOSED COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE DRUG USE

A resolution introduced by Delegate Joe DeLong, D-Hancock, would establish
a committee to do a year-long study of rising drug abuse problems in West
Virginia. The legislation contains language describing what primary drug
problems exist in specific parts of the state. For example, DeLong said in
the Northern Panhandle the most prevalent narcotic is heroin. This is
because of the area's proximity to larger cities in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

This is in contrast to other areas in the state, where methamphetamine is
most often the drug of choice.

"We don't have the meth problem in the north because heroin is so cheap
coming from other states," DeLong said. "But we have a situation occurring
where heroin is moving south and meth is coming north. Oxycotin is being
found in the south and southwestern parts of the state. Different types of
drugs are more prevalent in some areas than others.

"But it's methamphetamine that's getting the most attention because that's
what is causing fires in Kanawha County. The use of Oxycotin and heroin
also is rising, and the problem in our area is getting out of hand."

He added that his proposed legislation focuses on both adults and
juveniles. DeLong said this is because he is aware of children as young as
11 years old who have become hooked on heroin.

The committee would focus on three specific plans of attacking West
Virginia's drug problem, DeLong said.

"First, from a social aspect, there is a need in the state to create more
drug treatment centers," he said. "There are few centers or treatment
facilities in West Virginia."

Next, the committee needs to look at the criminal sentencing of dealers,
according to DeLong.

"There is a big difference between being a dealer and being a first-time
user," he said. "If you have a problem, we should get you help. But if you
are dealer making money off of other people's problems, you should go away
for a long time."

Thirdly, DeLong added, the committee would find ways for law enforcement in
West Virginia to work with officers in border states to deal with drug
problems.

"For example, we need to seek help for Weirton law enforcement to work more
closely with Steubenville to stop heroin from coming into the state," he
commented. "People aren't aware of how bad the problem is getting."

DeLong expects he will be the one to chair the proposed committee.