PROACTIVE DRUG STANCE BEST FOR RANDALL COUNTY

Randall County has a problem that in some people's eyes very well could
become a crisis if the county fails to devote substantial resources to
battling it.

Methamphetamine is on the rise in rural sections of the county. Law
enforcement officials, prosecutors and elected officials are promising to
spend more money than planned on the arrest, prosecution and imprisoning of
those who deal in meth.

Let the battle begin.

County Judge Ernie Houdashell has proposed a budget of $344,340 for the
Narcotics Regional Team, which is charged specifically with getting rid of
the meth labs scattered throughout the county. The team comprises Sheriff's
Department and Criminal District Attorney's Office personnel.

The money being budgeted represents an increase over last year, Houdashell
said. He makes the compelling case that it is money well spent.

The grisly case of Dustin Pool, who was murdered and buried under concrete
in a grain elevator, has brought the meth problem to light in Randall
County. Eight people stand accused in connection with Pool's death. The
belief among law enforcement officials, though, is that the pervasiveness
of drugs spreads far beyond this particular case.

That is why the county is intent on ridding itself of this scourge.

It also is why the county must pursue this mission with intensity and purpose.