WAR ON DRUGS HEATS UP

VINA - The thick column of black smoke billowed skyward Thursday evening,
dancing with the clouds like some mysterious Native American smoke signal.

As the fire crackled, District Attorney John Pilati said the message being
sent is clear: Drug dealing won't be tolerated in Franklin County.

Pilati, Sheriff Larry Plott, and Red Bay police chief Reb Boatwright, along
with Mississippi law enforcement agents and the Vina fire department,
supervised the controlled burning of a house trailer on Church Street in
Vina belonging to Christina Six and Venda Roberson, who were convicted of
illegal drug activity.

The conviction resulted from a case made during "Operation Bedrock," a
massive drug sting in January that resulted in more than 70 arrests.

"Today, we are witness to a continuation of Operation Bedrock," Pilati
stated in a press release. "The operation began in 2001 as a multi-agency
drug operation. More than 70 defendants have been arrested to date. The
property at 42 Church Street was seized as part of Operation Bedrock. The
trailer was the site of four different illegal drug transactions, involving
mother-daughter defendants Venda Roberson and Christina Six."

Pilati said the property was forfeited to the state of Alabama on June 11.

The trailer was deteriorated and was not habitable, so Pilati ordered it
destroyed, and allowed the Vina fire department and rescue squad to use the
event for a practice burn to gain experience in emergency fire situations.

The land will be sold later at public auction to the highest bidder.

"Defendant Christina Six pleaded guilty to a 10-year prison sentence as a
result of illegal drug activity," Pilati said. "She is awaiting final
sentencing. Venda Roberson has signed a plea agreement by which she will
plead guilty to a 10-year sentence for the charge of unlawful distribution
of a controlled substance. We are awaiting a court date to enter her plea.

"Tonight we send another message to those dealing drugs in Franklin
County," Pilati said. "As far as your vehicle and/or property goes, if you
use it for drug activity, plan to lose it as a result."

The cases made at the residence were a result of joint efforts of the state
of Alabama ABC Board, the Franklin County Sheriff's department, the Red Bay
police department, Belmont/Golden Mississippi officer Sammy South and the
Franklin County District Attorney's Office.

"Let this be a warning to other drug dealers--our efforts won't stop, and
you may be next," Pilati said. "Hopefully, once sold, this land will
finally be put to some productive use. The good people of Vina deserve
better than drug dealing taking place across from their school. This is
another step in the right direction."