CRIME - DRUG STATISTICS SOBERING

If OxyContin Horror Stories Aren't Sobering Enough, Read On.

Crimes involving crack cocaine eclipsed all other drug-related offenses in
West Virginia, according to a new report issued by the state Division of
Criminal Justice Services.

Crack cocaine charges increased by 59.4 percent between 2001 and 2002.

The most significant impact of the drug trade comes in what one county
prosecutor calls "quality-of-life crimes." Crack cocaine's highly addictive
nature causes untold problems.

"When these people get hooked on crack and they run out of money, they're
willing to do just about anything to get that instant cash," Ohio County's
Scott Smith said.

"It used to be we had burglaries, where people would break into someone's
house while they were gone and grab stereos, TVs, computers, and take those
items and try to sell them.

"Now, they want that instant money and they're willing to stick a gun in
someone's face and say, 'Give me all your money.' It's a much more serious
situation."

We see those words borne out every day in southern West Virginia.

The answer? It's already been spelled out. It will take a serious, combined
effort from everyone to purge a disease literally ripping out the heart of
our state and nation.