Illegal drugs: city's biggest crime problem
By By Fredie Carmichael / Staff writer
October 20, 2002
Meridian's new assistant police chief said he believes drugs are the most pressing issue facing the city today.
Keith McCary said the use of crack cocaine and the manufacturing and use of crystal methamphetamine are the two biggest drugs of choice and the two biggest drug problems.
McCary met last week with The Meridian Star editorial board, during which he discussed his top priorities as second-in-command of the Meridian Police Department.
McCary said one of the ways the MPD tries to control the growing drug problem is through the area's East Mississippi Drug Task Force.
McCary said drugs are a problem not limited to middle- and lower-income areas of Meridian. He said police see it "all through the high-income areas as well."
McCary said he's not sure if Meridian will ever have enough money to fight the drug problem.
The problem is compounded by the large amount of highway and rail traffic in the area, McCary said.