With the economy the way it is with people losing their jobs and benefits, rising food prices, increasing medical insurance costs and other increases in the cost of living, some people are taking the wrong path for recovery. The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force has already received more tips for marijuana cultivation this year than in years past. I feel like the situation with the economy is why some people are trying to supplement their income this way. But the ones we are investigating for growing the illegal crop usually have prior drug convictions or we have knowledge of drug use.

We have noticed that in most cases where marijuana is being grown the suspects or accused have small children and that is another reason why this is the wrong path to take. We have second and third generations involved in illegal drugs. It’s hard to teach children about the effects and problems with illegal drugs if they see their parents involved. Most parents we talk to after the arrest tell us they don’t do drugs or have it around their children where they can see it. But the truth of the matter is that most children already know what their parents are doing. I remember buying marijuana in an undercover drug purchase in Allen County before I retired from the Kentucky State Police. The man I was buying it from told me that his wife had just smoked some that morning and it was very good. An informant who was with me asked the man how his family was doing and the man started telling us his troubles. His wife wasn’t feeling well and his son huffing glue and paint. I wonder who his son got some of his ideas from. I’ve purchased illegal drugs in front of drug dealer’s children after trying to get the dealer to do it in another room away from their children. I would be told that their children know what they do. It’s sad, but this goes on every day throughout this country. When I would arrest these dealers later on, I would try to talk to the children if they were there about why this is wrong. I hope I planted a seed in some.

The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force is celebrating its fifth year next month. Your tips helped make the task force successful. We need your information in locating marijuana crops large or small and any other illegal drugs. If you know of anyone involved you can call us at 270-725-4972 or come by our office at 300 W. 4th Street in Russellville across from the new Justice Center. Your call may not only save the life of someone using drugs but it could stop the bad influence their children see. Your tips will remain confidential and are a vital part of the success of the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force.

— Jerry Smith is the Director of the South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force.