“The drug problem is growing exponentially in Northeast Wisconsin.”
Those words from Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre during a visit to WOMT’s Be My Guest program.
LaBre told host Lee Douglas that a three-pronged approach needs to be taken if any headway is to be made to slow down or eradicate the problem.
First, deal with the addicts head-on.
“If you don’t have customers, people are going to go elsewhere as far as selling,” LaBre explained. “If they are not making money, they are going to move.”
Second, get the message out to children about the dangers of drug use.
“The marijuana and substances from the 60s aren’t what is out there now,” LaBre said. “The marijuana is extremely potent, and high grade, and very damaging. So, getting that younger generation to understand that this is such a dangerous thing to get involved in so that they don’t start in the beginning.”
Third, make it clear that those who deal and/or use will suffer consequences for their actions.
“If you are selling these dangerous substances to make a profit, you need to be removed from the community,” LaBre stated. “Law enforcement is a key part of that. They work very hard to remove them from the community. Then it’ sup to us to get it in court and argue for them to be put in prison.”
The local prosecutor says fentanyl is quickly becoming the number one drug of choice and has made its impact felt throughout several communities in our area.
LaBre adds that it may seem cliché but “if you see something say something and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”
