It was amazing the sheer number of indictments that were to be served as a part of this effort, called “Operation Flamingo Road.” It was not surprising because here in Perry County we see hundreds of indictments for various crimes come down each year. So in reality, these 518 arrest warrants probably only scratched the surface.
But that’s not to say that last week’s sweep, which involved every Kentucky State Police Post east of Lexington, was not worth the effort. Certainly it was. But it also illustrates just how much work is left to be done.
Take a case here in Hazard on Friday, one day removed from Flamingo Road as a Hazard man was arrested. Police say they found more than 2,000 pills, several loaded guns, and a wad of cash in his apartment. He apparently wasn’t a target during this sweep. So, while he was on the radar of law enforcement, it makes one wonder how many people are out there selling drugs that have flown below the radar.
For the past decade we’ve been really into overdrive in trying to catch these drug dealers and get them off the street. We’ve formed drug courts to try to decrease the demand. We’ve added task forces like UNITE who have arrested hundreds of alleged drug traffickers. We’ve filled up rehab units, buried our family members, and had the national spotlight turned on us, all because of drugs. It also makes me wonder just how long it will be before we can say that we don’t have a widespread drug problem anymore.
Last week’s sweep of Eastern Kentucky made for good news. But as we continue to pour millions upon millions of dollars into the official fight against drug abuse, we have to remember the role the everyday citizen plays.
Everyone of us now have been touched in some way by drug abuse. We’ve known people, perhaps family members, who died from an overdose. Some have abused drugs in the past and have been lucky enough to stop, others continue to abuse them today. Law enforcement, treatment, and education are all important components in the fight against drugs, but it’s ultimately going to be up to the community.
How many people have to die before we take a collective stand? This is one issue that transcends politics. It’s an issue everyone can agree upon. But so far it seems that only a few agree enough to speak out and form groups and really do something.
I hope as we continue to move into a new decade we can look back at the last 10 years and say we’ve done some good in this fight against drugs, that we’ve done more than simply scratched the surface. I hope we can, but I’m not sure it will be the truth.
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