Drugs don’t care about the color of your skin, what family you come from or where you live.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Leroy Martin shared these words and other information to approximately 120 youths and adults who showed up at a drug awareness program at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday night.
“They (drugs) will destroy your lives and affect everyone around you,” Martin said during his hour-long presentation.
First, turning his attention to the parents and guardians, Martin challenged them to get control of their youths while they can.
“You need to be aware of what they’re doing and who they are doing it with. It may be okay for your girls to wear Daisy Dukes shorts at the house, but don’t let them come to the Columbia County Fair looking like that,” said Martin. The investigator also challenged the adults to check their prescription medicine and keep a count of how many pills they have.
"Kids, in some cases, don't buy these drugs from someone else. They get them from you. That's why the Drug Take Back Program is so important," Martin said.
Turning his attention to the youths, the officer asked how many of them have or know someone who is using drugs. After asking the question again in a more direct way, more than half of the hands were raised.
Martin showed samples of drugs being used by today's youths. One of them is a synthetic marijuana referred to as K2, a mind-altering drug that's considered to be 100 more times potent than traditional marijuana.
"This drug will make you lose all control of your mind and body. I've seen too many times what it does to a young person" said the officer.
Martin, who also serves as pastor of Magnolia's Life Builders Restoration Church, told audience he preferred addressing them in a spiritual setting instead of his law enforcement role.
"But don't get wrong. If you do drugs or have some connection with it, I'm coming to get you. You will be in chains and I don't want to hear any excuses. Don't tell me they don't like me because I'm black. They don't like you because you're doing drugs," he explained.
He encouraged the youths to contact him if they are afraid to talk to their parents.
"Even with alcohol. If you've been drinking and know you shouldn't drive, you can give me a call. I rather get that phone call instead of one saying there's been an accident and someone has been killed," he added.
Bethlehem pastor Rev. B.J. Harris Sr. praised Martin for his service and helping to enlighten local youths on the dangers of drugs.
"Our children are living in a dangerous time and we need people to better inform them of the dangers," said Harris. He serves as moderator of the Columbia Baptist District Association, which consists of more than 40 African-American Baptist churches in the area.
"We need more community programs like this and can hold them in other places," said Harris.