Erin Go Crack

MARCH 20--On St. Patrick's Day, Ohio cops seized crack cocaine that had been dyed green, apparently in recognition of the holiday.

Undercover drug task force agents seized the tinted crack after they observed a drug transaction occur at a Marietta residence, according to Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks. As seen in this evidence photo, the emerald green crack was packaged in small plastic bags.

Asked by TSG if he had ever seen drugs marketed in such a fashion, Mincks said that several years ago some dealers used food coloring to dye their crack red during the Christmas season. Monday's drug sweep netted five suspects, who are pictured in these mug shots. (2 pages)