Island police have made eight relevant arrests in recent weeks, announced Island County Sheriff Mark Brown during a meeting in Langley this week concerning rising drug use on South Whidbey.

About 30 people attended the gathering, which was held at South Whidbey High School and organized by Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson. Clinical psychologist and drug treatment specialist Steve Freng was the featured speaker.

This was the second such meeting held at the high school in recent months, and is the result of increasing drug use and property crime across the South End.

Brown announced that his department is making some progress, specifically with a handful of arrests. He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via a police tip line by calling 360-679-7319 or emailing tips@co.island.wa.us.