Publicity slows drug trafficking

Recently there has been an increase in press releases related to drug busts by the Commerce Police Department. Community Resource Officer Alex Suarez said this does not mean there has been a major increase in drug related arrests in Commerce.

"We are just doing a lot more press releases now," he said.

The most recent drug arrest occurred on March 9 when a Commerce man was arrested for possession of marijuana and narcotic prescription drugs during a traffic stop. According to the police report, officers found six bags containing marijuana and a prescription bottle with nine unknown pills.

In Texas it is unlawful to possess certain prescription drugs that are not prescribed to the person.

Currently CPD is focusing on keeping the citizens of Commerce aware of arrests in the city according to Suarez.

"Citizens feel more comfortable about the department when they can see things being done," he said.

Those living in Commerce have responded positively to increase in releases Suarez said.

"We have been given a lot of kudos," he said. "They see us actually working to illustrate the problems with drugs."

According to a survey used by the New York Times, 27.7 percent of adults ages 18 to 25 used marijuana during 2006 and 2007. This group represented the largest number of drug users of those surveyed.

The work Suarez and the CPD are doing has made some drug users on campus nervous.

A male student, who wished to remain anonymous, said the recent increase in coverage of drug related crimes has made him uneasy about obtaining and smoking marijuana. Because of the recent drug busts the student can no longer obtain marijuana in Commerce and is forced to drive to Killeen for drug purchases.

"It makes it scary to go out and get it," he said.

Marijuana is the only drug the student said he uses regularly, and he did not start using it until arriving at Commerce.

"I've been smoking for about two years," he said. "It is nice having friends over, so I can smoke with them."

Suarez said the recent increase in releases is directly related to training he just received at Sam Houston State University. He said the training focused solely on press releases.

In addition to the more frequent press releases, Suarez said CPD has involved itself with the world of social networking to let the citizens of Commerce in on important information.

"We have a Facebook fan page and a Yahoo group," he said. "We encourage citizens to become our friends, so we can let them know what's going on."

Suarez said CPD is also posting press releases on their fan page.

The student argued that marijuana should be legalized.

"I believe in free choice," he said. "You can smoke tobacco, drink alcohol and gamble in America, so you should be able to smoke weed."

Anxiety is the major reason the student said he smokes marijuana.

"It helps me meet people and not be as nervous in large group," he said.

Although a marijuana user, the student said he is careful about what goes into his body, which is why he does not use prescription anti-anxiety medication.

"I research anything before using it and do not take anything which is handed to me, and I don't know the source of," he said.

As far as the future goes, Suarez said the police's battle with illicit drugs is a never-ending story.

"It's always going to be there," he said. "If you have people who want to use them, there are going to be people who will sell them."