A.G. Schimel reports drug abuse #1 issue impacting WI counties

Drug abuse is the most daunting problem Wisconsin counties are facing, that's according to State Attorney General Brad Schimel.

Schimel made a stop at the Jackson County Courthouse Wednesday as part of a state-wide tour to get feedback on what's concerning the people of Wisconsin.

He says urban or rural, every county is reporting concerns with drug-related crimes and addiction.

Schimel says the solution lies in prevention.

"We need to get the message out to people, don't start using drugs, don't start abusing opiates or methamphetamine. And frankly, don't start with the gateway drugs like marijuana or alcohol for young people that's the entry level into the harder drugs," explains Schimel.

Schimel says he plans to take what he's hearing during his visits back to the State Legislature in Madison.