Pubdate: Thu, 14 Apr 2005
Source: Islands' Sounder, The (WA)
Copyright: 2005 Islands Sounder
Contact:  http://www.islandssounder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2603
Author: Ted Grossman
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

"METH" USE ESCALATES

The drug problem in San Juan County continues to escalate, said San
Juan County Undersheriff Jon Zerby, claiming that the guilty party is
methamphetamines.

"It all goes back to 'meth,'" Zerby said. "It ruins people's lives.
Their jobs and their families' lives are all in the toilet because of
it."

Zerby contended that 'meth' is at the root of many of the crimes now
being committed in San Juan County, including identity thefts,
burglaries, break-ins and those involving violence.

The increasingly serious problem has prompted the San Juan County
Sheriff's Department to ask commissioners to provide the money to hire
a narcotics officer. "It would be a very time-consuming job," said
Zerby, explaining that the officer would monitor drug-related activity
and supervise undercover officers who would be brought to the islands
to infiltrate the local drug world, make buys, get arrests, and then
leave the area because, as soon as their real identity is known, they
could not be effective.

County Commissioner Alan Lichter stated at last week's town meeting on
Orcas Island that the commissioners will provide the funding for a
drug enforcement officer. "That's where the money will go," he said.

Lichter said he has been told by San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming
that illegal drug use is affecting all ages, but especially young people.

Orcas islander Ed Le Cocq said at last week's meeting that "the
prevalence of illicit drugs has dropped off the chart." He asked the
commissioners to set as their top priority getting rid of the drug
dealers.

Cumming anticipates that the position will cost about $62,000 a year.
He has requested $25,000 contributions from both the town and from the
county. He hopes that the remainder will come from federal agencies.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin