Greene County is exceptionally fortunate in having Donnie Harrison as our sheriff.
In a recent meeting held at Lakeside Church, Harrison discussed the drug and alcohol abuse challenges we face here in Greene County and how our law enforcement addresses them.
Harrison explained that the focus is on stopping the ubiquitous “cartels”. Cartels are the manufacturers and suppliers of the drugs whose specific intent is to keep people addicted and buying their pricey illegal substances. Cartels are purely business-oriented, having no conscience and caring nothing about anyone losing their life for their profits.
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), cocaine represents the principal drug threat to our entire state, followed by marijuana. Marijuana sold here is mostly grown in Mexico, but local independent dealers prevail in its distribution.
Many believe marijuana to be legal in Georgia, but it is NOT. It is against Federal law. Only medical marijuana is legal in our state.
While all illegal drugs are dangerous, in 2020, drug overdoses began to increase due to drug dealers blending lethal fentanyl into stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines. Harrison said fentanyl is a killer substance. Besides being included in the drug, fentanyl can be absorbed via inhalation or through the skin.
The sheriff said he is often asked about the Greene County surveillance of I-20. According to the NDIC, Atlanta has become a transportation hub with I-20 as a main corridor to surrounding areas. It is not at all uncommon for law enforcement — during traffic violation stops — to discover large amounts of illicit drugs being transported. He said it is incredible how creative the smugglers are in concealing the contraband.
In an attempt to help someone who has overdosed on drugs, one piece of advice the sheriff offered was for people to carry Narcan in their vehicles or purses. Narcan is a medicine that can save someone from a heroin, fentanyl, or even a prescription opioid overdose. Narcan can be found at many local pharmacies.
When the meeting adjourned, most attendees agreed they would have enjoyed two more hours with Sheriff Harrison. His military police background, paired with his training and overt involvement in dealing with illegal substances, makes him a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom.
The meeting was sponsored by the Families and Friends of Addicts and Alcoholics support group, which meets bi-weekly in Greensboro.
For more information about this group, contact Larry at 610-580-6956 or Joyce at 706-817-8793.
-- Special to the Lake Oconee News from Joyce Crawford