|
- |
At 6 a.m. on Aug. 7, a team of law enforcement officers--representing federal agencies, the Virginia State Police, the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office (under Sheriff C.O. Balderson), and allies from the Northern Neck and our local police department under the direction of Chief Christopher Hawkins--made a drug bust in Colonial Beach ["Drug raids 'hit 'em,'" Aug. 8].
When the new chief took the helm on Jan. 4,
This time, the federal and state agencies were not reluctant to include the local police and county Sheriff's Office in the preparations. Job well done! Hollywood could not have choreographed it better.
There is talk of repeating this operation as needed to eradicate the drug plague. Saying that makes one wonder: Where there is a ready supply, there must be a local demand.
Although the feds want to catch the major suppliers, I contend the local users should be held accountable, as well. Is that worthy of pursuit?
In the former raid, the federal charges were used extensively. This time it appears to be a mix of state and federal prosecutions.
Of course, at the local level there is another ingredient involved. If these cases are plea-bargained between defense counsel and prosecutor, one cannot predict the outcome. A "slap on the wrist" will not do.
Let us stick together--the arresting officers,
This little town needs the collective help of everyone involved. Most residents are law-abiding. They want to see justice administered. We can become a model for the entire area. Don't let us down.
Frederick C. Rummage
Colonial Beach
The writer is mayor
