Woonsocket launches war on drugs

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - City leaders and Police Officers in Woonsocket announced the start of a partnership on Wednesday aimed at keeping illegal drugs off the streets.

The Woonsocket Police Department has teamed up with the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition. Officials say its important to let residents know what they are doing to keep drugs off the streets.

The police department has made great progress. In 2008, police made 281 drug arrests in Woonsocket. And in 2009, they made 332 drug arrests. That includes 141 pounds of marijuana, four pounds of cocaine, and four ounces of heroin.

During Wednesday's news confrence, Mayor Leo Fontaine stood next to a poster covered with police mugshots of suspects recently arrested. "We want to send a message to those who are coming into our city, and cause the havoc that drug dealing does, and let them know we will not stand for it."  said Fontaine.

The announcement comes just a week after three Providence Police officers were arrested in connection with the drug scandal dubbed "Operation Deception." The city's police Chief, Thomas Carey says that they have no reason to suspect their officers, or subject them to random drug screening as was recommended by Providence Mayor David Cicilline.