METH LAB BUSTS INCREASE GREATLY

The Fourth Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force wrapped up 2003
having made 61 arrests and seizing a total of $782,040 in drugs.

The number of methamphetamine labs busted increased from two in 2002 to 15
in 2003.

Task Force Director John Evans said his agents work at all hours, without
overtime pay, to get the job done.

"I'm proud of them," he said.

Attorney General Al Schmutzer Jr. said he was pleased with the task force's
accomplishments and their ability to work closely with other agencies. From
2000 until 2003, the task force has worked cases leading to a total of 554
indictments. There were 182 from 2003 alone.

Agents work closely with federal state and local law enforcement agencies
both inside and outside the district. The district includes Sevier, Cocke,
Grainger and Jefferson counties. The task force board of directors is made
up of sheriff's from these counties, plus the chiefs of police in their cities.

A total of 34 searches were conducted in 2003 yielding 16 vehicle seizures
and 24 weapons seizures in addition to the 15 meth labs.

These searches also produced thousands of dollars in seized drugs. A total
of 245.5 pounds of marijuana, valued at $471,360, was recovered. Other
drugs included 255.5 grams of cocaine, valued at $26,650; 32.8 grams of
crack cocaine, valued at $3,280; 3,639 doses of pills, valued at $91,000;
and 1,897.5 grams of methamphetamine, valued at $189,750.

Evans said the task force is ongoing and depends on citizen involvement to
"ferret out drug dealers who prey on our communities, especially our young
people."