Pubdate: Thu, 18 Sep 2003
Source: Eufaula Tribune, The (AL)
Copyright: Eufaula Tribune 2003
Contact:  http://www.eufaulatribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1921

DRUG DEALERS BEWARE

Drug dealers and meth manufacturers beware. Circuit Court Judge Burt 
Smithart sent a powerful message from the Barbour County Courthouse in 
Clayton last week. Judge Smithart sentenced a repeat drug offender charged 
with making illegal methamphetamine to prison. For life. With no chance of 
parole.

David Robinette, 51, of Ariton, will serve out his days in prison. He was 
convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, a dangerous synthetic drug now 
on the streets in Eufaula and Barbour County.

District Attorney Boyd Whigham's office proved four prior drug convictions, 
and tough new sentencing laws gave Judge Smithart wide latitude for the 
sentencing.

We commend Judge Smithart for striking a blow to the drug trade in Barbour 
County.

Meth exploded onto the drug scene in Eufaula and Barbour County well over a 
year ago.

Agents with the Barbour/Bullock Drug Task Force warned us last summer about 
the drug's dangers.

Last June, an agent shared a startling revelation. One drug suspect 
estimated some 150 to 200 teenagers in Eufaula were using meth.

It's impossible to know how accurate that estimate is and whether meth use 
is spreading rapidly as agents feared it would.

Successful drug raids in Barbour County in recent months give us good 
reason to believe meth is a growing problem, though.

Drug Task Force agents warn that meth is far more addictive and dangerous 
than other drugs like marijuana.

Since it involves "cooking" a deadly concoction of chemicals, making can be 
as dangerous as taking meth.

Users snort it, smoke it, ingest it or inject it. The drug is different 
than alcohol, because it's a stimulant. Its users often appear agitated and 
paranoid.

What's worse is the Drug Enforcement Agency warns that meth is far more 
addictive than crack cocaine.

Its use causes severe insomnia, depression and loss of appetite. It gets 
worse over time. Prolonged use of meth can lower one's resistance to 
illness, damage the liver or even cause a stroke or heart failure.

We hope Judge Smithart's stiff sentence sends a message to drug pushers.

Take your business elsewhere, or you'll pay for it.
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MAP posted-by: Beth