PROVIDING BETTER ASSISTANCE

Illegal drug activity continues to be a menace to our society and it preys
on people of all ages. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up their
efforts to combat this type of activity. There is probably more awareness
by the public than ever of the effect that drugs can have on people's lives
and the devastation they can cause.

Even though there seems to be a heightened awareness, it frequently appears
that people may not be nearly as concerned as they should. While law
enforcement remains focused on illegal drug activity, officers and their
agencies need the support of the residents.

Methamphetamine labs seem to be popping up in many places, both in the
Tri-County area and across the state. They are, too frequently, found in
unsuspecting places in our communities because of how easy it is to set up
and cook illegal drugs.

There are endless accounts of drug activity that take place daily. In the
past 36 hours, a meth lab was reportedly discovered in a Shawnee residence
within a close proximity of an elementary school. It may not be close
enough to fall within the statute that forbids such a lab from operating,
but it's a bit scary to think about.

More than 200 marijuana plants were seized Friday from an area near
Wellston, and the landowner, who reportedly had nothing to do with its
cultivation, was pleased with the seizure. The value of those plants was
placed at more than a quarter of a million dollars.

These are examples of good work by law enforcement officers. Yet, for every
arrest they make, every lab they seize, and all the drugs they confiscate,
the amount that goes undetected is probably mind boggling.

That is why law enforcement must have both the support and the cooperation
of law-abiding citizens. It's not enough to expect that officers can meet
the challenge alone.

Their resources and manpower are frequently limited because of financial
constraints. This is often caused by the fact that while drugs are
considered a serious problem, there is not sufficient concern that allows
such illegal activity to earn the priority it should.

But citizens can assist law enforcement in at least two ways. Try to be
aware of what is taking place around them and advise officers when drug
activity is suspected.

A good way to do that locally is by providing information anonymously on
the District Attorney's Narcotics Unit toll free line at 1-888-877-5520 or
calling 878-5520.

Secondly, express more concern so that combating drugs becomes more of a
priority with government agencies that dole out the funds.