DRUGS IN ALL PARTS OF COUNTY

The drug trade in Cherokee County has suffered blows in recent weeks as law
enforcement agencies work together to put a dent in their business. The
effort has paid off, but there is still work to be done. Operation Fall
Harvest on Oct. 23 brought multiple officers and judicial system officials
together in Andrews to arrest and process 16 area residents on various drug
charges, most involving possession and trafficking for a total of 76 charges.

Sheriff Keith Lovin credits the investigation of a drug ring allegedly
headed by Jeffrey McTaggart. Lovin said he didn't know how rampant drugs
were in the county until he became sheriff last year. Area residents knew,
though. The arrest reports and court dockets printed in The Scout are
filled with people charged with drug offenses. Lovin has worked over the
past year to improve cooperation among law enforcement agencies, improve
training for officers and upgrade or renovate the jail and sheriff's office.

But his best efforts have still stopped short of keeping drugs out of the
county jail. Inmates have been caught with drugs. Whether someone is
bringing the drugs to the jail or whether inmates get them while on work
release should not preclude searches. Lovin has his hands full. But
diligence at home is just as important as a watchful eye out on the streets.