CAIRO FIGHTS DRUGS

The city of Cairo, Ill., has sent a clear and adamant message to drug dealers who have besieged the community: You are not welcome here.

In the past two years no fewer than 30 drug dealers have been sent to federal prison on drug trafficking charges. Many more have been convicted on state charges as Cairo is beginning to reap the rewards of a two-year effort to purge the menace of open-air drug dealing.

Bolstered by a recent $171,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, authorities aren't about to relax their anti-drug efforts any time soon.

Prior to 1992, drug activity was commonplace in Cairo's public housing areas. But through the combined effort of authorities from the city, the public housing authority, the Alexander County Sheriff's Department and the federal government, illicit drug trade is becoming increasingly difficult.

The involvement of Cairo residents -- tired of an influx of out-of-town drug dealers and a proliferation of gangs -- was the crucial spark that has authorities glimpsing light at the end of the dark tunnel of the drug market. Instead of surrendering the streets to criminals, Cairo residents are helping put them where they belong: behind bars.