The Woodward News

Local News

February 12, 2013

Weaver hits on state’s drug issues

Chris Cooper Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Darrell Weaver, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, spoke on the fight against drugs in Oklahoma during the Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon.

Weaver, a graduate of Cameron University, has been with the bureau of narcotics since 1987 and was appointed director in 2006.

Weaver said communities like Woodward are important in the fight against narcotics.

Weaver went on to say drugs are a very real problem in Oklahoma, including small towns, and that Oklahoma was ranked number one in prescription drug abuse by the CDC just two years ago, as well as ninth in overdoses, of which 80 percent were accredited to prescription drugs.

Weaver recounted his first time overhearing a drug deal during a bust in Marlow Oklahoma, and thinking to himself, "This really goes on out here?"

Weaver said the fight against drugs is a constantly evolving battle, with drug producers and drug distributors changing their tactics in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Weaver said it is necessary for drug enforcement agents to maintain close ties with the community to keep updated on what is going on in those communities, and that a grass roots movement was necessary for victory in the war on drugs.

The director says that the equilibrium of drug pricing in Oklahoma indicates that the bureau has been successful in preventing drug producers from establishing a foothold in the state.

Weaver went on to address several other concerns, such as the increasing prevalence of synthetic drugs like K2, efforts to keep Mexican drugs cartels such as the incredibly violent Los Zetas out of Oklahoma, and the agency's new battle against human trafficking.

"Nothing makes me more sick than human trafficking," Weaver said. "A kilo of cocaine will eventually get used up, but a young girl never will."

Weaver concluded by saying there is no agency that works harder for the people of Oklahoma than the narcotics bureau, that the agency is always looking for new recruits, and that its an honor to serve the people of Oklahoma.

Woodward FFA Vice President Jaci Hodges discussed the chapter's plans for the upcoming national FFA week (Feb. 16-23).

Hodges said FFA is planning a food drive and people can bring nonperishable to the Woodward High School FFA building.

The week will also include a breakfast for high school staff members and other events leading up to the local stock show and premium sale on Feb. 23.

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