KPD: DRUGS PREVALENT AT ALL PARKS

LIHU'E - Not just drug use, but drug dealing, is happening at
virtually every state and county park on the island, a Kaua'i Police
Department narcotics officer said.

Richard Rosa, acting lieutenant in the KPD Investigative Services
Bureau Vice Narcotic Section, said KPD receives complaints and tips
about such illegal activities on public property, and investigates as
necessary.

"Basically, it's happening at every county and state park," he said of
dealing and use of drugs. "We have been trying to clean it up for the
people. ... It's an ongoing battle."

Last year, a five-month KPD operation in most of the state and county
parks ended with the arrest of 20 people on 80 drug charges, including
distributing methamphetamine, trafficking drugs, and sale of marijuana
and cocaine, in addition to several arrests for drug use and
possession of drug paraphernalia, he said.

Rosa would not say whether or not a similar operation is either
ongoing or planned this year.