Area police add narcotics division

New Boston chief says force response to resident requests

New Boston Police Department has added a narcotics division to its force in hopes of getting more drugs off the streets.

The division consists of two officers and is in response to resident requests and a need seen by Chief of Police Garry McCrary.

"There had been citizen complaints about drugs in the community but we had never had a division dedicated to just narcotics," said Narcotics Officer Westin Fannin.

McCrary was appointed chief in August 2018 after serving as interim police chief several months before that.

"We know that drugs are a problem everywhere, not just in New Boston but the county and the state. There are guys across the state working to do their part in getting drugs off the street and we wanted to do our part to stop drugs coming into this area," said Narcotics Officer Westin Fannin.

Fannin and Officer Rusty Hill will be the two officers in the new division.

In the past few months, officers have confiscated several four pounds of methamphetamine and a half-pound of cocaine, among other illegal items from traffic stops. The bulk of drugs coming into the area are from Mexico.

"We will primarily focus on New Boston, the city streets and the houses, but we will have to focus on the Interstate too. A substantial amount of drugs comes through on the Interstate and we want to hit them (drug dealers) where it hurts," Fannin said.

Drug activity always contributes to other crimes such as theft and assault.

"People steal and burglarize and victimize people to support their habit. It all goes hand in hand," Fannin said.

The department would like to add K-9 officer to the narcotics unit and are looking into ways to afford one.

"They are very expensive so we are exploring our options on how to get one," Fannin said. Any donations toward the purchase of a dog would be appreciated, he said.

For more information, call the New Boston Police Department at 903-628-3771.

Upcoming Events