Pubdate: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 Source: Ada Evening News, The (OK) Copyright: 2002 The Ada Evening News Contact: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=48822&BRD=1600&PAG=461&dept_id=113319& Website: http://www.adaeveningnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1546 Author: Jeremy Cantrell A "CRACK" IN A RECENT DRUG BUST PROMPTS UNNERVING RESULTS Recent drug busts in the Ada city limits have prompted an unexpected result - - Ada Police officers uncovered an alarming amount of crack cocaine. Officers found more than 20 grams of the rock-like substance, with a street value of more than $4,000. The common crack cocaine client uses a small "rock" worth $20, when they take a "hit." That's 200 "hits," judging by the amount confiscated on just four individuals. That's a lot of crack. Crack, as it is commonly referred to, is a solid form of freebased cocaine. It is called "crack" because it snaps and cracks when heated and smoked. Traditionally, cocaine was designated as a "yuppie" drug. Now, the less-expensive and commonplace crack cocaine is affordable and available to nearly anyone. And with the recent influx, it could bein your neighborhood too. Herb Darras, executive director of Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center, Inc. and a certified drug and alcohol counselor, said the rise in the use of crack cocaine is evident, but not voluminous. "Two to three years ago, there was no reports of crack cocaine," Darras said. "Within the past 60 to 90 days, it seems we have had some clients seeking help." Darras suspects crack cocaine must have been brought into the area. Darras says that methamphetamine and alcohol is still the drug-of-choice in the Ada area. That, in itself, is nothing to scoff at. Other than being a member of task force there is not much the average resident can do. Ada Police officials say residents should not ignore it if several individuals begin frequenting a specific residence at all hours of the night. If this type of activity occurs, police officials say to give them a call. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens