AUTHORITIES ARE IGNORING MERRILL DRUGS

The Merrill area is infested with drugs and the hazards that result from
them. One of the drugs is methamphetamine. Law enforcement is very much
aware of it, as are prosecutors.

One of my many questions is, do residents realize the vastness of this
infiltrator? Would others like me want to know what is being done to wipe
out this problem? I hope so. Chances are their children or their children's
friends are confronted with this deadly and addictive drug.

It has been about a year since I became aware of this drug in our area. In
my opinion, not much has been done to keep it contained.

Sure, some people get arrested. But they are back on the streets almost
immediately. Then there is plea bargaining to lesser charges. Drug users
have weapons. They lie, steal and commit other crimes to support their
addictions.

I also know local law enforcement only can do so much. But I would like to
know what it is going to take before some major cleaning up is done. I also
would like to know how the priorities of prosecutors are decided. What are
they? Will other candidates for district attorney be any different? Is this
issue even thought about before elections? What is the justification for
allowing the meth operations and meth users to get away with a slap on the
wrist?

Something should be done about this disease.

Jerri Geiger, Merrill