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Written by Greg Bird
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Monday, 05 October 2009 |
Pot growers beware...
The McCreary County Sheriffs’ Department has a new weapon in the battle against drugs: The Kentucky Army National Guard.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Tony Dingus, who is also the commander of the National Guard’s Alpha Company based out of Harlan, said the Guard plans to partner with local Sheriffs’ Departments to expand their marijuana eradication operations.
Trooper Dingus said the plan is to “decentralize” the marijuana eradication effort, handing over authority to local agencies.
“Local Sheriff’s Departments have a better idea on the lay of the land, what hazards may be in the area and who may be tending the plants,” he said. “With that information, hopefully, we can start prosecuting more cases.”
To that end, the Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Army National Guard have initiated a new eradication effort – using McCreary County as a pilot program.
Trooper Dingus said McCreary County was chosen due to the actions of Sheriff Gus Skinner and his office to eradicate the drug problem in the county.
Over the past three years, McCreary County has seen a substantial increase in the number of drug cases brought before the court. This trend was noticed by the National Guard and led to extra assistance to Sheriff Skinner in the fight against drugs.
“As a result of his efforts, he was given additional ‘air time,’” Trooper Dingus said.
“Air time” refers to helicopter reconnaissance, where National Guard pilots fly over and identify areas where marijuana is suspected to be growing. Once spotted, the location is called in to a ground team who then move in and cut down the illegal plants.
“He is an honest man who has his heart in the right place,” Trooper Dingus said. “He wants to rid his county of the cancer of drugs and is open to outside help.”
“I am pleased that this department is receiving additional help to get rid of drugs in this county,” Sheriff Skinner said. “We are always open to working with other agencies. By working together toward a common goal, we increase our effectiveness.”
Deputy Lowell Dolen boarded an Air National Guard helicopter Wednesday and spent the afternoon buzzing over the vast wooded areas in the county searching for the telltale signs of a marijuana patch.
Sheriff Skinner and his deputies, along with officers from the Kentucky State Police, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force were ready to spring into action when Deputy Dolen spotted the illicit drugs.
If successful, the Kentucky Army National Guard looks to expand the program to include other Kentucky Sheriffs’ departments.
Pot growers beware... |
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