New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office cracking down on heroin

This week’s arrest of two Wilmington men on heroin-related charges marks nearly 40 such arrests in the past few months.

With all of these arrests coming to light, it may seem at first glance that the local heroin problem is on the rise. What detectives say is the case, is the result of several month long investigations, targeting suppliers.

“We’ve made a concerted effort to eliminate, or at least slow the flow of heroin in to our community. And we’re making some in roads,” said David Ciamillo of NHC Vice and Narcotics.

To conceal his identity, undercover Vice and Narcotics Captain David Ciamillo would not appear on camera.

While the arrests don’t necessarily point to a growing heroin problem in Wilmington, they do point to an increased crack down.

Coastal Horizons, a substance abuse treatment center, has seen more users walk through its doors over the past year.

“Any time there is a major arrest, in any kind of drug we tend to see a temporary increase in people seeking treatment,” said Pamela Morrison, program director.

Morrison added that’s because the drug is cut off at the source, and that’s where local law enforcement has been focusing its energy, aiming for more than just the people who use.

“Our efforts have been more geared toward those who are trafficking and those who are selling,” Ciamillo said.

Coastal Horizons says they’ve treated heroin addicts ranging in age from late teens to into their seventies. Between substance abuse counselors, law enforcement and the criminal justice system, they all say treatment is the key.