We all know illegal drug use remains a major issue in North Central West Virginia and much of the Mountain State.
While we all are aware of street drugs like heroin, cocaine and marijuana, the illegal use of prescription medication is often more prevalent, but none the less damaging.
That’s why we’re pleased to see the Drug Enforcement Agency establish a Tactical Division Squad that will target prescription drug abuse.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-West Virginia, said in announcing the new squad that she “believes that the prescription drug problem across the state is ransacking us.”
“It’s ruining lives,” she said.
Capito, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which provided funding for the squad, said area cities and law enforcement asked for additional support, which helped spur the unit’s formation.
The squad will provide support in the form of education, law enforcement and other means, officials said.
“What affects Clarksburg affects the country as well,” said Melvin Patterson, of the DEA’s Public Affairs department. “The growing drug abuse epidemic is something that needs to be addressed immediately.”
Patterson said area residents will have opportunities to learn more about the dangers of the misuse of prescription narcotics.
“Not only will they learn the proper usage of prescription drugs, but also what to look for in teens, kids and other adults in regard to abuse,” Patterson said. “It will empower Clarksburg residents to work hand-in-hand with state and local officials to report irregular activity.”
The squad will work with medical officials to insure proper prescribing, handling and destruction of unused medications, officials said, with Capito emphasizing that law enforcement will receive additional training “to target cases and follow up on leads.”
“This will be very beneficial when working with local resources,” she said.
The veteran lawmaker expects the Tactical Division Squad to be fully operational by the end of the year, with some activity beginning within the next three months.
“I anticipate more arrests and hopeful eradication of prescription drug abuse,” Capito said. “When we conquer this problem, we will not only have to dry up the supply but also the desire.
“We have been working with treatment options. However, this is the part that works to get supply under control. This is the first step to combating the serious prescription drug abuse epidemic in West Virginia.”
Capito should be applauded for her efforts, as should fellow Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, and Rep. David McKinley, R-West Virginia, who have also called for additional assistance in North Central West Virginia and the entire state.
It was McKinley who back in November met with the DEA’s then acting administrator and called for the establishment of the Tactical Diversion Unit.
Working together, our leaders and the DEA have provided much needed resources to local law enforcement that we believe will have a positive impact on the effort to combat illegal drug use.
