/ Modified jul 15, 2019 8:59 a.m.

Challenges with stopping the drug trade and treating addiction

A panel discussion with Sonoran Prevention Works and the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

After seeing how the Pima County Sheriff’s Department interdicts narcotics on a regular basis, Arizona 360 wanted a better understanding of some of the lasting challenges involved with staying ahead of issues that stem from drug abuse. We brought together PCSD Capt. Jeffrey Palmer and Stacy Cope with Sonoran Prevention Works, an organization that helps people with substance abuse.

“We are making gains, but it is a cat-and-mouse game. We are in the interdiction business and the drug cartels and distributors are in the business of not being caught,” Palmer said.

“If it’s a cat-and-mouse game on supply, then we should be talking about demand. Why are people using drugs? Why are people selling drugs? And if we want to see real change in that then we have to have other options for people to make money, have other options for people to deal with their trauma,” Cope said. “These are not overnight, easy solutions.”

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
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