DRUG PROBLEM IS GROWING!

Is the drug problem in Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence County reaching the
point of being out of control? I had a disturbing conversation this
week with a county official who pointed out what's been obvious to
many people, even though many would prefer not to face it.

The recent murder on New York Avenue, the death of a 20-year-old girl
and several recent overdoses illustrates that the County's drug
problem is growing worst, and Ogdensburg's problem is getting out of
control. No one wants to hear it, but it must be faced head-on.
Whenever the subject of drugs comes up, many people dismiss it,
arguing that drugs are everywhere. That's certainly true. But murders
and overdose deaths are not normal in our small rural communities here.

Too many people associate drugs with youth. But anyone who reads the
stories coming out of county court every week notices that most of the
drug dealers being arrested are adults, ranging from people in their
20s and 30s to their 50s.

Kids don't make drugs. Adults bring them and make a lot of money in
the process. Our community leaders need to admit openly that we have a
drug problem and come together to start addressing the problem before
it gets completely out of control.