TOLERANCE ON DRUGS GETS TOUGH

YUKON - After a drug-related teenage death and the hospitalization of
another teenager because of drug use, city officials are looking to
crack down on drug dealers, manufacturers and users. Yukon police
recently gained approval to institute a no-tolerance policy when
dealing with drug-or alcohol-related incidents.

Previously, police could use their own discretion when they came into
contact with criminal behavior.

City Manager Jim Crosby said Friday that police no longer would be
allowed to tell teenagers to pour out their beers and head home. Now
they must write a citation and take the teen into custody until a
parent can pick them up, he said.

Police Chief Ike Shirley and neighboring Mustang Police Chief Monte
James are working together to combat drugs within their suburban
municipalities.

James said several methamphetamine laboratories have been discovered
in Mustang.

"A year ago, I think we may have busted a total of two labs for the
entire year. Now we're busting three meth labs in about a month," James said.

"Drugs have changed over the years. Meth, marijuana and script drugs
are hot right now."

Shirley and James are working with city and school officials and
community organizations to tackle the apparent drug problems in both
communities.

"We can't do this by ourselves," Shirley said. "This is not just a
police, school or family problem. This is a societal problem."

Shirley and James agreed citizen tips often provide the most help.
They encouraged residents to be observant of their
surroundings.

[Sidebar]

INDICATORS OF DRUG USE

Dropping grades or poor work performance.

Attitude and demeanor change.

Red or watery eyes, slurred speech, hyperactivity, lethargy,
paranoia.

Breaking curfew or sneaking out.

Eating and sleeping patterns change.

Source - Mustang and Yukon police