TOP DRUG ENFORCER VISITS

DEA Chief: Terror War Not Overshadowing Drug War

MECHANICVILLE -- Local prosecutors and police told the country's top drug
enforcement official Friday that the federal government can't forget about
the war on drugs while it focuses on protecting the country from terrorists.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency Director Asa Hutchinson, who was in the area
to speak to local officials, reassured them that he agrees that the fight
against illegal drugs needs to remain a priority.

"What concerns parents the most is not terrorists, but drug peddlers trying
to sell drugs to their children," Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson spoke with dozens of police and prosecutors from throughout the
region Friday afternoon at the Elks Lodge in Mechanicville. The meeting,
which was held behind closed doors, lasted more than an hour.

The event was arranged by U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, R-Clifton Park, who said
during a press conference that he wanted Hutchinson to hear directly from
local law agencies about their concerns about drug trafficking.

Hutchinson called the meeting "very productive," stating he has several
good points to take back to Washington.

Responding to comments about homeland security, Hutchinson said the added
responsibility has stretched the federal government's resources.

But he said there is still a strong focus on the war on drugs and that the
added security at the nation's borders and airports has actually resulted
in decreased drug trafficking.

Hutchinson said he also agrees strongly with local law enforcement that
increased communication is essential to stopping the flow of drugs. He
urged local officials to take advantage of a task force the DEA has in
Albany to dismantle local drug trafficking.

Hutchinson said a specific target in the area is the flow of drugs heading
north from the New York City area. That has become an enormous problem,
Hutchinson said, because drug dealers have learned they can make more money
selling drugs upstate.

That was one of the major concerns expressed by Warren County District
Attorney Kate Hogan. She said a $10 rock of crack cocaine in New York City
can be sold locally by a drug dealer for $50.

Hogan said she appreciated the feedback from Hutchinson.

"It's always satisfying when the head of the DEA listens to your concerns,"
Hogan said. Hogan said she also asked Hutchinson to write a letter of
support to maximize resources between the region and Brooklyn, where a lot
of local drug cases originate.

Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy III agreed that increased
communication is needed.

While drug dealers aren't restricted by different regions, Murphy said law
enforcement agencies often run into obstacles fight when combating drug
traffic across different counties or states.

Murphy said he was also pleased to learn about "significant resources"
available to local law enforcement, like a mobile response van with
surveillance equipment.

With all the talk about improving communication, Hutchinson stressed that
the community must also play a major role in the fight against drugs. He
applauded Saratoga County's drug tip line that allows residents to call
police with tips about drug trafficking. "Everyone in the community needs
to ask what they can do," Hutchinson said.

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[PHOTO CAPTION]

U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, left, and Asa Hutchinson, director of the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Agency, speak at a press conference Friday in Mechanicville.