And, those last two stories are part of a trend, where over the past few weeks we have been observing an increase in crack cocaine related crimes. Is it an increase in use or an increase in arrests? Well today we asked ASP Stacy Smith to give us her expert opinion and this is what she said:
Reporter
"Outside of the report itself, is there a reason why we're seeing an increase in the amount of crack and cocaine as opposed to marijuana? Can you talk about that a bit?"
ASP Stacy Smith
"What I find to be new is that younger and younger persons are being charged for using drugs. And this is one of the reasons why us as a department places a lotta emphasis on interdicting drug peddlers because, by all indications, Mr. Eck is believed to have been undertaking these nefarious activities to support this habit."
"The sale of drugs is something that truly, you know, weakens society. It harasses everybody. Nobody rests well when a drug addict is on the prowl in their neighborhood, your gas tank gets stolen, your line stick gets stolen. So, we certainly place a lot of emphasis on interdicting drug peddlers. I know a lot of people will comment, oh, get the big fish and this and that and that."
"But it is also important to arrest these persons who are peddling drugs in neighborhoods and destroying lives."
