ROGERSVILLE POLICE TARGET DRUG TRAFFICKERS

ROGERSVILLE -- U.S. 72 is a major part of the town economy, bringing
many people here each day.

But because it is a major highway, U.S. 72 also is considered a
popular route for illegal drug activity.

"This highway is a direct connection from Memphis and other areas west
to Interstate 65 and the Huntsville area and east,'' said Rogersville
Police Chief Ty Barrett. "A lot of illegal drug activity travels
through Rogersville on its way to larger cities.''

Individuals transporting the illegal drugs are finding that traveling
through Rogersville can end in an arrest.

When Barrett was hired in 2002 to lead the Rogersville Police
Department, one of his top priorities became stopping the flow of
illegal drug activity. To cope with such activity, officers received
additional training, and, through a $49,600 grant from U.S. Rep. Bud
Cramer's office, the department was able to purchase equipment needed
for drug interdiction.

Since September 2003, the department has made 48 felony and 102
misdemeanor drug charges and seized more than $20,000.

In addition, the department has made 57 driving while under the
influence arrests involving drugs and alcohol.

"The majority of our arrests have come off of U.S. 72,'' Barrett said.
"Because there is so much traffic here on the highway, we're in a
prime location to catch drug traffic going from Memphis to the
interstate or Huntsville.''

Barrett said the arrests have involved "very few local residents.''

Narcotics officer Scott Quinnelly said the investigation into illegal
drug activity did lead authorities to execute four search warrants on
area residents. Quinnelly said officers were able to make arrests and
seize several rocks of crack cocaine and powder cocaine.

"I think we're making a big impact in the illegal drug activity that
comes through the city,'' Quinnelly said.

Barrett said he used to get a lot of calls from local residents about
possible drug activity.

"We're not getting as many calls now. I think that's because of our
efforts,'' the chief said.

Barrett and Quinnelly said the Rogersville department has been working
closely with departments in Lexington and Killen as well as the
Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Air National Guard.

"And working together, we are making a difference,'' Barrett said.

Rogersville Mayor Harold Chandler said he is pleased with the
department.

"They're doing a fantastic job and our citizens are very pleased with
the effort the officers are making,'' Chandler said. "We have a
council that knows the importance of a good police department, and,
with the backing of the council and the support of the public, I think
our officers will continue to make a difference here.''

Barrett said that although he's proud of the job his department is
doing, he said officers will never be completely satisfied.

"We want to continue to work drug activity the best we can,'' he said.
"I know we may not stop it, but I think we're making people think
before bringing illegal drugs through our city.''