When Federal agents arrested several people on OxyContin distribution charges last week it sent us a message – one of the fastest spreading drugs of choice has made its way to our area.

Tuesday, September 04, 2001

When Federal agents arrested several people on OxyContin distribution charges last week it sent us a message – one of the fastest spreading drugs of choice has made its way to our area.

Sometimes referred to as "poor man’s heroin," the abuse of OxyContin, a medication prescribed to patients for pain, has been well documented and has been a major concern for law enforcement officials, pharmacists and physicians. The troubling thing is the distribution of the drug can only result from one of two things – theft or bogus prescriptions from physicians.

Across the U.S., drug abuse is of major concern, but as more and more drugs to abuse surface, the problem is going to be more widespread.

In recent weeks, methamphetamine labs have been raided in Jackson and Vinton counties – not too far from Lawrence County. Chances are some of those drugs found their way here.

For years and years, law enforcement officials have been fighting the war on drugs. Let’s just hope their efforts do not go in vain.