DURING GRAND OPENING: TRUCK STOP PROMOTES PROGRAM TO STOP DRUGS

The National Association of Truck Stop Operators wants to stop illegal drug trafficking at truck stops.

To that end, the association has set up Operation Roadblock, a program that combines anti-drug education and law enforcement cooperation.

Next Wednesday and Thursday, bumper stickers, buttons, ribbons and fliers about the program will be handed out at the Rhodes Travel Center along Interstate 55. Randy Fontaine, general manager of the center, said the center will celebrate its grand opening those days from noon to 10 p.m.

"So many years, the truck stop had a reputation of being a drug den and all these things," Fontaine said. "We're just trying to make a real point that that's not what we are these days, and we're concerned about the situation. And we're putting our money where our mouth is ... and doing something about it."

Fontaine said the center will donate its coffee sale money from the two days to Operation Roadblock. The center hopes to raise between $300 to $500, he said.

Drugs have existed as a problem at truck stops in the past, said Fontaine. But the American Truck Stop Foundation, the association's educational arm, was formed to deal with the drug problem on truck-stop property and with employees and customers. The truck stop industry does $15 billion in business annually, the association reports.

Usually, Fontaine said, the drug problem stems from local drug dealers who are trying to sell the drugs to truck drivers.

"There's legislation right now, moving through Congress, trying to make the truck stop a drug-free zone, so if you're out there and you get caught, it's that much tougher," he said.

The federal legislation, referred to as the Drug Free Truck Stop Act of '91, Fontaine said, would provide stricter sentences for those caught pushing drugs. The act would be similar to laws that provide stiffer sentences for drug dealing near schools.

A major reason legislators are so concerned about the drug problem at truck stops is because of highway traffic, Fontaine said.

"You have 3 million over-the-road drivers. They're hauling 80,000 pounds at 65 mph. You want that guy drug free."

Information about the federal act will be available at the center, said Fontaine, but will not be handed out at the grand opening.

Operation Roadblock also sponsors a drug hot line that permits truck stops operators who have employees with drug problems to call and get help. Fontaine said the hot line provides an alternative to ignoring the problem or firing the employees. It can be reached at 1-800-THATS IT.

Though designed for use by truck drivers and highway travelers, Fontaine said the hot line can be used by anyone.

"A drug problem is not just a transportation problem. It's filtered its way into everywhere," he said.