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CRIMESTOPPERS TARGETS DRUG DEALERS

HALIFAX - Halifax County Crimestoppers is asking for input on local drug dealers in the area and plans to push this as its next Crime of the Week.

"There is a continuing Crime of the Week right here in our neighborhoods and drug investigators want public input," Detective Bruce Temple of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office said.  "Having intelligence on local drug dealers is a key part of making a difference in our community."

Temple said Friday there has been no real increase in drug activity, but drug sales remain a problem.  "We recognize that drugs contribute to 90 percent or better of our violent crimes, the majority of local property crimes and the deterioration of families."

Temple said no one is exempt from the affects of drug sales.  "That's why we're taking a different approach to utilize Crimestoppers to get involved."

There are no specific areas Crimestoppers is trying to target in the campaign, but instead is looking at the entire county.  "We're asking the people for assistance," Temple said.

The tips can range from reporting suspicious activity and strange traffic to looking at one's own family.  For instance, if you know a family member or friend who has a drug problem and you have an idea of where they are getting drugs, you are encouraged to call.  "The more intelligence gathering we have the more opportunity we have to bust a drug dealer and make our neighborhoods safer," Temple said.

The tips can come from anywhere, Halifax County Sheriff Frazier said, including the county and its cities and towns.

Frazier said the sheriff's office is doing its best to combat the county's drug problem.  "On complaints we receive and can follow up on, we can make a difference," he said.

Temple agrees and says the sheriff's office continues to step up drug enforcement.  "We have sent more ( drug dealers ) to federal prison than we ever have in the last five years."

Crimestoppers is a confidential line and callers do not have to leave their names or testify in court.  A reward may be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.  Crimestoppers can be reached at 583-4444.