The Scourge of Illegal Narcotics

Northern Frederick County is under siege by the scourge of illegal narcotics.  In October, Sheriff's Deputies raided a home in Emmitsburg, Maryland and arrested several minors who had in their possession illegal drugs including marijuana and heroin.  Although drugs have always been present in our largest cities, their presence in our rural communities should be a cause for alarm.  The increasing presence of heroin should be our call to action.       

On December 12, 2002, the Government Reform Committee of the United States House of Representatives held a hearing which highlighted the growing problem our local communities are having with heroin.  Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs known and its effects lifelong.  Since it is cheap and increasing in purity, it is fast becoming the drug of choice for our young people.  Even the most hardened narcotics detectives are frightened by this trend.         

As a member of the Emmitsburg Town Council, I am committed to addressing this problem in our community.  But, I must have the support of everyone in order to succeed in ridding our town of this killer drug.  While law enforcement activities are an important tool to fighting drug abuse, it alone cannot solve this problem.  It must be a community effort.

I have been in contact with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Speaker's Task Force for a Drug Free America and others to seek assistance in this cause.  With their help, I plan to develop a community-based coalition which will be made up of all organizations within our community to establish a clear and effective strategy to fight drug addiction locally.  In the next few weeks, I will hold an organizational meeting in Emmitsburg to establish this coalition and lay out our strategy.  I hope that every organization in town will join me in this effort.       

Without the cooperation of the entire community, we cannot help our children avoid the scourge of drugs.  Please contact me if you are interested in helping our community in this important cause.  I can be reached by calling 301-447-3746 of by e-mail ted1.brennan@mail.house.gov

Sincerely,
Ted Brennan
Commissioner
Town of Emmitsburg
Ted