The health-associated risks of drug use goes beyond the use of the illegal substance itself. Columbia Police Officers are routinely removing syringes from sidewalks, ditch lines, parking lots and just recently in local parks.
In the latest removal, Columia Police Department Officer John Dial and K-9 Gunner were training at a local park. Gunner immediately went toward the playground equipment at the Columbia City Park and gave Officer Dial a positive hit signal. When Officer Dial looked to see what he had found, he discovered Gunner was alerting on some syringes on the playground equipment.
Columbia Police remind parents to be vigilant and if you see drugs or paraphernalia, please call police immediately so it can be disposed of properly.