The war on drugs has proven to be a difficult and costly battle with little hope of an end. Yet the costs of doing nothing are too high to ignore: Namely, increased crime, deterioration of neighborhoods and suffering of children who grow up in narcotics-infested environments.
Every city has places where there is known drug activity, but the judicial system, which for good reason gives ample rights to those accused of crimes, makes it arduous to do anything about it. For example, the late Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, frustrated by this situation, tried to take matters in his own hands and tore down, with help from some of his cronies, what he said was a crackhouse. No doubt it was, but it led to an indictment against Melton and a long legal battle that drained him so much that he died just days after a second trial.
Truly, the law must be followed regarding protocols for getting proper legal permission before taking action against homes where drugs are regularly bought and sold.
So the Columbia Police Department deserves credit for its efforts this week to legally take down what it says is one of those structures in Popetown. Police Chief Michael Kelly said they began an investigation after receiving complaints from neighbors and were eventually able to get a warrant signed by a judge and raid the home Tuesday morning. It resulted in eight arrests on drug charges, including one felony arrest.
It takes time and resources, but it’s worth it to stop the points of distribution for drugs in neighborhoods. Even though they’ll undoubtedly pop up elsewhere, if police keep at it long enough it will make a real difference in the quality of life in the city.
Kelly deserves credit for this and several other new initiatives started since he took over the department in March following Mike Cooper’s resignation. Kelly has partnered with the school district to get two additional officers on campuses, begun an overhaul of the animal shelter, reached out to neighborhoods, hosted a town hall meeting on drugs and addiction and garnered business donations to add new equipment.
It’s the type of small steps that can add up to make a big difference in a community’s feelings about itself and its level of public safety.
Also, it’s heartening to see cooperation from citizens. A key point in the raid at the corner of North Main and West Rankin streets was information received from neighbors. That shows that people are both not cowered in fear of the drug trade and believe that the police will do something about it. Both are important steps toward fixing the problem.
We’re hopeful that the progress will continue and commend the police and citizens involved.
— Charlie Smith
