It’s obvious: Drug agent needed in Lakes Region

This weekend’s bust of a significant marijuana growing operation at a house in Raymond is both shocking and disturbing, and points to the need for a full-time drug investigator for the Lakes Region.

Carl Packard, 41, of North Raymond Road, was arrested last Friday after a Sheriff’s deputy came to his home to serve a warrant to a previous renter. According to police, when the deputy approached the building, he could smell the marijuana. A drug-sniffing dog was called and after the dog reacted, the house was searched. Deputies found more than 500 pot plants growing in the basement.

The bust demonstrates the need for more drastic policing measures in the war on drugs in Maine. Like its more urban neighbors, the Lakes Region has seen an increase in drug activity in recent years. There is an especially acute need for an additional agent or agents who could devote time fully to the area and work in cooperation with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency as well as local police departments in Windham and Bridgton.

The need for a drug investigator devoted to the Lakes Region is something the sheriff’s office requested in its budget last year. The Cumberland County Commissioners denied the request despite pleadings from sheriff’s department administrators. It seems Saturday’s bust and numerous similar busts last year shows the folly of the commissioners’ miserly decision.

According to Capt. Bill Rhoads, the MDEA in Portland is too busy to devote time to the Lakes Region. Rhoads said there is “no doubt in his mind” that there is a need for a designated drug investigator for the area and that we can’t rely on chance discoveries like the one in Raymond to keep us safe.

“That was the result of the deputy being on their toes. It was a great pinch, a good police arrest,” Rhoads said. “But it was happenstance. We were lucky to catch him.”

Yes, it was a lucky find. But, like Rhoads said, it was good police work as well. And we give kudos to the attentive deputy. Good things happen when persistent individuals don’t take no for answer. Here’s hoping Sheriff Mark Dion is persistent in asking the commissioners for a drug investigator for the Lakes Region area. Here’s hoping he doesn’t take no for an answer.

As a society that rejects drug use, we need to say yes to law enforcement that stops drug crime. The need is obvious, and the cost of an extra agent is worth it.