Pubdate: Sat, 24 Mar 2001
Source: Andalusia Star-News (AL)
Copyright: 2001 The Andalusia Star-News
Contact:  207 Dunson Street, Andalusia, Alabama 36420
Website: http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/
Author: Michael Willard

State Commends Drug Task Force

As agents with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force continue to go 
about business as usual, working to remove illegal drugs from Covington 
County, their efforts are winning statewide recognition.

"Their success rate has been absolutely phenomenal," House Speaker Seth 
Hammett said. "They risk their own personal safety, and we want to 
recognize their exemplary efforts with the highest commendations for the 
22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force."

Hammett on Friday announced that the Alabama Legislature passed a 
resolution which he co-sponsored with State Sen. Jimmy Holley, recognizing 
the drug task force for their work in south Alabama.

"We were delighted to sponsor this resolution," Hammett said. "Their 
success has been greater than we ever imagined. They are sending a message 
to people using and dealing illegal drugs that Covington County is not a 
place for them to be."

The resolution cited each drug task force member and commended them for 
their efforts to "eradicate illegal drugs using aggressive, effective and 
ethical means," as well as having a "conviction rate at the circuit level 
of 100 percent."

"This is an effort as fine as I have ever witnessed," Holley said of the 
task force's effort. "We want those dealing in illegal drugs to know we 
will continue our effort to eliminate illegal drugs. We owe a debt of 
gratitude to you."

Among drug task force accomplishments Hammett cited were the confiscation 
of 46 operational meth labs as well as one of the largest drug busts in 
Alabama history. On March 1, the task force recovered 12 gallons of meth 
oil, 101 pounds of the substance.

One drug task force agent said while the arrest was a large one, it has not 
reduced the availability of methamphetamine on the street. The arrest was 
made in a rural area between Opp and Andalusia, according to drug task 
force commander, Mike Bowlan. An investigation is still pending and no 
other details of the meth oil recovery are available at this time.

"This shows what we can do when we work collectively to do something about 
the drug problem," said Ben Bowden, special prosecutor for the drug task 
force. "I want to especially thank the agents for putting their lives on 
the line day in and day out.

"I want to thank Speaker Hammett and Sen. Holley, without their efforts, 
the drug task force would not be possible."

The drug task force began work in September 2000 and was made possible by a 
$175,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

"The drug task force is something we have been interested in for a very 
long time," Hammett said.

Those present at the resolution announcement included the drug task force 
board of directors, including Covington County District Attorney Eugenia 
Loggins, Sheriff Anthony Clark, police chiefs from Andalusia, Opp and 
Florala, as well as Bowden and Greg Gambril, chief assistant district 
attorney. Also on hand were drug task force agents and members of the 
Covington County Commission.

"I am proud we have these young men to work with us," Loggins said of the 
drug task force. "We would not have the success rate we do without the work 
of the drug task force."

Wilbur Williams Jr., Andalusia police chief, also acknowledged the work of 
behind the scenes workers ­ the agent's wives.

"Ladies, we deeply appreciate what you allow your husbands to do," he said.

After the removal of television cameras Bowlan spoke on behalf of the drug 
task force.

"It is a great honor accepting this on behalf of the drug task force," he 
said. "Thank you to the agents' wives, without them we wouldn't be where we 
are today."

"We can't take all the glory for this, a lot of people help us when we need 
it," he said.

Hammett wrapped up the event with a message.

"What we are trying to say to those involved with illegal drugs is, this is 
no place for you to be. Go some place else," Hammett said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens