DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM SET TUESDAY

MARIETTA -- Illicit and/or illegal drugs are one and the same. Either way,
such drugs are bad news.

That's just one message Sheriff Joe Russell and law enforcement officials
want to convey to Love County residents Tuesday night during a community
program at the county fairgrounds.

Billed as "Drug Effects on Communities," the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics
program will start at 6 p.m. Speaking for his own department, Marietta and
Thackerville police, Russell encourages parents to bring their children and
share information with them in family sessions.

Those who attend the session will learn ways to help law enforcement
officials identify illegal drug activities.

Agents will also provide warning signs, talk about drug-making activities
and alert people to the danger of handling materials used in manufacturing
drugs.

Besides creating a greater public awareness of drug effects and dangers,
Russell said there is a reciprocal side to the community program. This
comes from the people.

"We have to have the public's help and support to enforce the law," he said.

When it comes to drugs, he said officials get lots of tips from the public
that lead to arrests and locating drug manufacturing operations.