LAWRENCE GETS REINFORCEMENT IN DRUG BATTLE

MOULTON - Lawrence County Sheriff Grady Rose said the county's drug task
force is an important part of the battle in the war on illegal drugs.

"Every county has a drug problem. We're fighting that battle as best we
can, and I'd hate to think what it would be like without the drug task
force," Rose said.

"The unit is able to devote its time on illegal drug activity, and I
believe it is successful in becoming a deterrent."

The sheriff was notified Tuesday that money has been approved that will
allow the unit to continue to operate. Gov. Don Siegelman approved a
$118,850 grant for the upcoming year. Local matching money totaling $39,617
will be added to the grant.

The task force is a coordinated effort by the sheriff's department, the
district attorney's office and the police departments of Moulton, Town
Creek and Hillsboro.

"The program sends a strong message that trafficking, distribution and use
of illegal drugs and violent crime that is often associated with that
activity will not be tolerated," Siegelman said in making the announcement
of the grant. He also commended Lawrence County officials for their efforts.

The governor awarded the grant from funds made available to the state
through a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has designated the
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to administer the funds.

Rose said the county task force began operations in 1992. He said the
department has three officers and a secretary.

"The different agencies within the county don't have the funds or resources
to fight this battle alone," the sheriff said. "But through a combined
effort, such as the task force, we're able to make a dent in the illegal
drug activity.

"The task force is helping to keep a lid on the drug problem. I appreciate
the governor for seeing the importance of this unit and continuing the
funding."

Last year, the unit made more than 200 drug-related cases, said task force
director Jim McAbee.

"A lot of the drugs we get in Lawrence County are brought into the county
from other areas," McAbee said. "We've been able to make several arrests
and seizures. The drug dealers know we're out there working, and I think it
acts as a deterrent."

He said one of the biggest increases in illegal drug

activity his unit is seeing is with crystal methamphetamine.

"For years, it's been a big problem in the eastern part of the state,"
McAbee said of crystal meth. "Over the last year or so, we're seeing more
coming into our county or being made here.

"We're doing our best to get out and get a handle on this before it gets
out of hand."

Rose said the drug task force is a very important part of his department's
overall operation.

"We're all working to provide the citizens of this county the best law
enforcement possible," the sheriff said. "The task force is sending a
message to drug dealers and buyers that we don't want them in our county.

"And because of the action of the task force, I think there are a lot of
dealers and users looking over their shoulders.

"Through the effort of the task force, we're making some progress in the
war on illegal drug activity in our county."