ANOTHER BATTLE IS WON

The Amsterdam Police Department Sunday morning shut down what it says is
one of the area's largest cocaine rings, winning yet another battle in the
war on drugs. Cocaine, cash, a house and a handful of vehicles - as well as
nine people - were in police custody when the morning raids, and the
six-month investigation, were were all said and done.

These commendable efforts once again should send a clear message to anyone
who thinks drug trafficking is the way to go in Montgomery County. The war
may be far from over, but our local law enforcement community keeps winning
the battles.

We all pay a price when it comes to illegal drugs. The heaviest toll is
taken in the violence and crime associated with it. Drug cases clog the
legal system. And the cost of tax-supported treatment and rehabilitation
continue to rise.

Efforts to stem the rising tide of drugs by law enforcement officials,
medical providers, educators and social workers need community support and
encouragement more than ever.

Drug abuse and the crime that accompanies it are not confined to big
cities. It is not even confined to small ones like Amsterdam - as evidenced
by long list of previous drug busts that have come in the middle of our
most rural communities. The problem is not somewhere else. It is right on
our doorstep.

Drugs are not just a law enforcement problem. Waging a war on substance
abuse must take place on several fronts. It takes good police work, but it
also takes a better understanding on social, economic and educational
levels as well.

The city of Amsterdam, and Montgomery County as a whole - through the
efforts of the city police force, county sheriff's department, and state
police - are cracking down on drug dealers, growers and users. One battle
was ended Sunday. The war, however, may never be over.

The message remains clear. Drug dealers and the assorted trash with which
they are associated are not welcome here.