WAR ON DRUGS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

WHEELING -The war on drugs got a shot in the arm Monday when U.S.
Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Thomas E. Johnston
announced an initiative aimed at decreasing the demand for illegal
drugs in Wheeling area.

At a news conference, Johnston said his office has partnered with the
Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and the United States Probation
Office on a two-part initiative to educate youngsters and area
businesses on the dangers of drugs and drug-related activity. Wheeling
Area Chamber of Commerce President Terry Sterling, Chairman of the
Board of Directors for the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce John
Culler and Chief United States Probation Officer Jeff R. Givens were
on hand for Monday's announcement.

Johnston said the first part of the initiative is to educate area
children about drugs, noting that the probation office has made
available a program called "Fed Facts: The Real Deal" for area schools.
The interactive CD presentation presents the legal consequences of being
involved in illegal drug activity. Johnston said the program is
appropriate for students in grade six and above, adding that he and
representatives of the U.S. Probation Office are available to make
presentations. The program already has been presented at a number of
area schools.

Johnston said his office will also cooperate with the Wheeling Area
Chamber of Commerce in working with interested local employers to
establish a drug-free workplace program. Wheeling area employers will
be provided a "tool kit" packet including all information necessary to
implement such a policy.

Last week, 18 arrests were made as a result of an alleged
Wheeling-based cocaine ring, and Johnston said those arrests are an
example of the need for the type of programs he announced Monday.
Johnston said he believes Wheeling is a potential target for drug
dealers because there is less competition than in larger cities, and
that allows dealers in the area to sell lower quality drugs at higher
prices.

He added that eliminating the demand for drugs is as important as
eliminating the availability of drugs.

"I appreciate very much the partnerships we are announcing today with
the probation office and the chamber," Johnston said. "I know that
both share our commitment to fighting the evil of drugs and the
corrosive effect they have on our society. Reducing the demand for
drugs in an important element in our overall effort."

School administrators, teachers and leaders of youth organizations may
request the presentation of Fed Facts by calling the United States
Attorney's Office at (304) 234-0100 or the United States Probation
Office at (304) 232-8474, Extension 270.