It won’t be an easy task to eliminate the used of marijuana and other harmful drugs from the Black Belt, but that doesn’t mean law enforcement officials won’t try to do so.

Earlier this month, 15 people were indicted on drug charges stemming from a series of coordinated drug raids that took place in Perry County in June.

Along with the charges, those 15 people now find themselves behind bars facing bonds as high as $400,000.

The message District Attorney Michael Jackson and his office has sent with these indictments and bonds is simple — the use and trafficking of illegal drugs will not be tolerated around here.

Jackson said he had heard complaints from residents about the drug issues in Perry County before the June 18 raids.

“A lot of citizens had come to me complaining about drug dealers setting up shop in Perry County, and people are much happier up there already,” Jackson said.

He added that his office was continuing to investigate into any remaining drug trafficking that is still taking place in the county.

“The investigation is still ongoing about the criminal element in Perry County, so this is just one part of that,” Jackson said. “But, it’s definitely a good first step.”

Simply put, drugs ruin communities and destroy the lives of users and their loved ones.

While it will take the work of the entire population to rid this region of drugs and drug use, it’s important to take a moment and thank Jackson, and all those in law enforcement, for the work they’ve already done.