Editor, Gazette-Journal:

After reading an article in another newspaper about three residents charged with a synthetic marijuana bust in a neighboring community, I found the need to be involved in coming up with a solution.

What can we, as community residents, do to help?

After speaking with many caring law enforcement officers, who are extremely knowledgeable, I am now convinced that we must get involved with helping them for the safety of our children and our families.

I have spoken with officers in Gloucester, New Kent, James City County, Isle of Wight County, Mathews, King and Queen, Kilmarnock, Middlesex, West Point, Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News and Smithfield, the Virginia State Police, the Attorney General’s Office and the Idaho State Police.

Presently, Gloucester County has several areas that sell synthetic drugs. One shop stays open until midnight on some occasions; Middlesex, York, New Kent also have such shops. Mathews has no known sites, but heavy usage continues to jeopardize the safety of our children, families and law enforcement officers.

Law enforcement officers that I talked with need the community residents’ help. Please help them if you can by calling them; they will be happy to tell you who in the community is selling. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. You don’t have to give your name.

Physical symptoms that can occur as a result of usage range from anxiety and confusion to unconsciousness and advanced medical treatment in a hospital intensive care unit.

You, as a county resident, can really help by not buying anything at a seller’s place of business. If they are going to put the dollar bill ahead of the safety of our residents, we cannot let them allow greed to ruin the lives of our loved ones.

In addition, please call and write your county, state and federal legislators to save our children, your family, our law enforcement officers and the beautiful United States of America.

John R. Filichko

1st Sgt. (Army-ret.)

Lanexa, Va.