Forty people were arrested in Dallas and Perry counties as a part of a local, state and federal drug raid early Wednesday morning.

It was a string of arrests that will undoubtedly have a positive affect on our city.

Many of the arrests took place in Marion, which is several miles away, but certainly is close enough for the arrests to have an effect. If Perry County and Marion residents work in Selma, then certainly drugs from neighboring counties could make the short trip.

Hopefully with these arrests, Selma and Dallas County’s overall drug problem could see a decrease in traffic.

As the cases make their way through court, whether state, local or federal, we hope the justice system hands down adequate punishments for the crimes committed.

The real issue is how to permanently removing the drug problem, which is frequently linked to increased violent crime, school drop outs and perhaps even jobs.

Law enforcement cannot achieve this goal alone. We all must educate the youngest members of our community about the dangers of drugs and violence.

One thing remains certain, this week’s raids are one step toward reducing the drug use and drug related violence that are among the most dangerous issues affecting Selma and Dallas County.