PROGRESS BEING MADE IN LOCAL WAR ON DRUGS

America has been at war against illegal drugs for some four decades -- at least since the 1960s -- and some people might be wondering if this controversial, billion-dollar battle has made a significant dent in the problem.

Because the many byproducts of the illegal drug trade -- violent crime, prostitution, decaying inner cities and disintegrating families -- appear so prevalent despite this ongoing war, a solution would seem distant.

But progress is being made in the war on drugs, both across America and in Butler County. The victories often are small -- a trafficker arrested here and a dealer convicted there -- and don't always generate front-page news. But each new conviction brings society one step closer to eradicating the problem.

One striking success story was a recent multi-agency operation in Hamilton that has resulted in the conviction of 10 drug kingpins since 1999. Authorities say the convictions, which followed an investigation lasting about a year and a half, have disrupted a major cross-country cocaine distribution operation.

The agencies involved were the Hamilton Police Department, Butler County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Middletown Police Department and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.

While these agencies in the past have recorded notable individual anti-drug efforts, the recent Hamilton operation demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation.

But even so, the war against drugs goes beyond law enforcement. It's something that needs the support of the entire community, including businesses, schools, churches and other institutions.

The Journal-News believes the news media also must play a role in this effort, by publishing photos of the people who are arrested and convicted of major drug offenses. The J-N published such a story in Monday's edition and will continue to do so.

The effects of the illegal drug trade go far beyond the user, destroying families and communities and harming innocent people. The war on drugs is being won, but final victory depends on concerted efforts by everyone in the community.