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February was host to an average of one drug-related arrest every day, with Oxford police taking in 29 individuals last month.

Police seized approximately four pounds of marijuana, between 40 and 50 Adderall pills, countless pieces of drug paraphernalia and well over $11,000 of cash subject to narcotics forfeiture.

"We are concerned about the high-risk activity related to not only drug abuse but also to the over-consumption of alcohol," Sgt. Jim Squance said. "We're addressing both of these issues and our undercover investigations concerning both will continue at the rapid pace we have seen since the beginning of February."

Squance said the amount of Adderall uncovered is indicative of its popularity among college students. Many students are beginning to mix the narcotic with energy drinks, giving them a tremendous energy boost as they go about their daily routine, he said.

The series of drug busts also yielded amounts of cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, ecstasy and the painkiller Klonopin.

While Oxford has undoubtedly seen a surge in drug-related arrests, Squance does not think there has been a similar increase in drug use.

"We're not like Over-the-Rhine where you have major drug dealers and suppliers bringing semi-trucks filled with drugs into town," he said. "What I think we're seeing is recreational use. I don't think we have any major drug dealers in town."

Police attribute the substantial number of arrests to the department's now month-old Directed Patrol Unit, formed in February with the sole intent of investigating drug-related crimes. The last two weeks of February alone saw Oxford police arrest more than 20 individuals, the result of 10 search warrants.

Of those 20 suspects recently arrested, 18 were Miami University students. Squance said he does not think Miami is different from any other college, with a large number of students engaging in risky behavior no matter the consequences.

Many of the students were charged with felonies, barring them from voting and seriously hindering future plans, Squance noted.

"It's a shame that people with such bright futures now have this tarnish on their record," he said.

On the eve of Green Beer Day, police hope to send a clear message to the local community that any sort of illegal behavior will not be tolerated.

"There is a serious penalty to be paid for illegal and high-risk behavior," Squance said. "My question is, 'Is it worth it?'"

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139, ext. 86102, or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.

Charged Subjects:

Michael Hendy, 21, 120 North Beech St., was charged with possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 15.

Jeffrey Moeller, 23, 120 North Beech St., was charged with possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 15.

Stephen O'Connell, 22, 120 North Beech St., was charged with possession of cocaine, trafficking in drugs, drug paraphernalia and possession of a schedule II narcotic on Feb. 15.

Richard Luchs Jr., 22, 104 Linnwood St., was charged with trafficking in drugs, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and possession of a schedule II narcotic on Feb. 15.

A 17-year-old juvenile was charged with drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 20.

Nicholas Hample, 20, 4312 Logsdon Meadow, Hamilton, was charged with drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 23.

Nikul Panchal, 20, 116 West Withrow St., was charged with two counts of drug possession, drug paraphernalia, underage intoxication and certain acts prohibited on Feb. 24.

Mark Mostead, 22, 3770 South Point Parkway #831, was charged with trafficking in marijuana, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 25.

Bradley Goatley, 21, 3770 South Point Parkway #831, was charged with possession of psilocybin mushrooms, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 25.

Kyle Shinn, 21, 304 East Withrow St., was charged with possession of psilocybin mushrooms on Feb. 25.

Keith Krallman, 20, 3770 South Point Parkway #831, was charged with underage possession on Feb. 25.

Michael Vitka, 20, 210 North College Ave., was charged with trafficking in marijuana, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 26.

Kevin Richardson, 20, 210 North College Ave., was charged with drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 26.

Corey Tyson, 22, 1705 Oxford Commons, was charged with trafficking in marijuana, possession of marijuana (over 200 g), possession of ecstasy, trafficking of ecstasy and drug paraphernalia on Feb. 27.

Nathaniel Hughes III, 22, 1705 Oxford Commons, was charged with permitting drug abuse on Feb. 27.

Stephen Meister, 23, 340 North Locust St., was charged with trafficking in psilocybin mushrooms, possession of psilocybin mushrooms, drug abuse and drug paraphernalia on Feb. 28.

Craig Mester, 23, 340 North Locust St., was charged with possession of Adderall on Feb. 28.

Cory Lee Jones, 22, 340 North Locust St., was charged with possession of Klonopin, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Feb. 28.

William Shea, 20, 3015 East Derbyshire, Cleveland Heights, was charged with trafficking in drugs, drug paraphernalia and drug abuse on Mar. 1.

Aaron Curtis, 18, 125 West Kibby St., Lima, was charged with drug abuse on Mar. 1.