As drug issues continue to permeate the area, law enforcement in Bridgeport, Harrison County and beyond continue to seek the public’s assistance in trying to combat what U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia William Ihlenfeld II called “an epidemic.” During Wednesday’s press conference on a major heroin bust, Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Shaffer announced a still relatively new Web site that allows for the public to anonymously provide tips relating to drug deals to county officials.

 

The new Web site can be found by going to www.HarrisonCountyDrug.com. Shaffer is hoping it can make a difference in combating what is a massive influx of drugs and crimes related to the drug culture in the county and region in recent years.

 

“Right now there is a home screen where you can email tips that will come directly into our office,” said Shaffer. “Unless the sender puts the email address in there, we don’t know where it’s coming from. It can be completely anonymous.”

 

Individuals can also include their emails, which can allow for the exchange of information. Shaffer and Sheriff Albert Marano both are hopeful it works.

 

“This information is valuable. They’ve had a lot of busts through people that call the drug tip line or the Sheriff’s department directly,” said Shaffer.

 

The Web site includes news, contact information and where to get drug treatment. Shaffer hopes anyone that gets addicted will use the treatment links to help themselves before ending up getting treatment after being incarcerated.

 

“It’s up and running right now and we expect to keep building on it and adding new information on it. It will be monitored on a daily basis,” said Shaffer.

 

There are other tip lines available as well. The Bridgeport Police tip line is 304-842-6149. There is also a school “Text-a-Tip to the Police Resource Officer (PRO)” at 304-695-0669. The Clarksburg Police Department’s tip line is 304-624-1625.