SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUYS NEW EQUIPMENT

Sheriff Bobby Hammons says his department aims to hit drug dealers where it hurts - in the pocketbook.

And one dealer has already discovered the sheriff means business.  Accused of illegally possessing drugs and firearms, the dealer, as part of a federal plea agreement, signed over his pickup truck to the sheriff's department.  Because state charges are still pending against the man, local investigators won't release his name, however.

The pickup is especially distinctive.  It is a bright red 1999 Chevrolet 4x4 extended cab, but the lettering on its tailgate is what sets it apart from other vehicles.  Prominently displayed on the tailgate, the message reads: "Vehicle Seized From Convicted Drug Dealer."

According to Capt.  Jeff Green, drug officer and member of the Dickenson County-ATF Violent Crimes Task Force, the department made several undercover buys of OxyContin, a Schedule II drug, from the man.

A search warrant for his home was issued.  During the search, several guns and methadone tablets were discovered.  Following the search, the man, driving the pickup, arrived home.

At investigators' request, the owner gave consent for police to search the truck, said Green.  During that search, officers found a loaded .22 caliber revolver and a container holding OxyContin.

Green then contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  As part of the task force, the department refers all firearms cases involving illegal drug possession to the federal bureau.

Green said the dealer, as part of his federal plea agreement, agreed to turn over the seized guns and vehicle.

The pickup isn't the only thing the department has gained because of drug seizures made by the task force, however.  Last fall, the department received $12,500 from ATF.  The bureau used a formula, based on the estimated street value of the seized drugs, to determine the award.

The sheriff's department used the money to buy equipment aimed at making searches for illegal drugs easier, including a Polaris Ranger, a four-wheel drive all-terrain utility vehicle, to use for marijuana searches and a 16-foot trailer to haul it.

The Ranger will be used primarily for drug eradication.  The vehicle's four-wheel drive capabilities and high ground clearance make it ideal for searching rough terrain for marijuana patches, said Hammons.

Also purchased were 12 AK-15, .223 caliber assault rifles.  Each investigator and road deputy was issued a weapon, after completing a training course in proper handling of the firearms.

All the equipment was bought at no cost to the taxpayer, Hammons noted.  Hammons credits the purchases to the department's participation in the ATF task force.

The task force was formed in October 2002 to bring needed resources to the county, including federal agents, surveillance equipment, money for awards and narcotics purchases and a newly hired federal prosecutor to handle such cases.

Drug traffickers in possession of firearms face more severe mandatory sentences in the federal court system than at other levels.

The initiative also provides for no parole, mandatory sentences, zero tolerance and gun free school zones, with no exceptions, noted Hammons.

Hammons said he aims to continue participation in the task force.  "Working in cooperation with Joe Short, commonwealth attorney, we intend to get the dealers off the street and put them in jail," he said.