By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - A New York father's campaign against the drug activity that killed his teenage son could provide help for a local drug task force.

The Warren-Clinton Drug & Strategic Operations Task Force this week joined Dads and Mad Moms against Drug Dealers (DAMMADD), a nonprofit organization that educates students about illicit drugs and provides a Web site for tips about suspected drug dealers.

The task force is one of three Ohio agencies to join the organization, which boasts membership of 66 police agencies in 23 states.

John Burke, commander of the task force, said he learned of DAMMADD through his work as vice president of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators.

"Other police agencies were very complimentary of the work they are doing. I figured, what could it hurt? It's another avenue to collect potential tips in our county," Mr. Burke said.

The new collaboration already has resulted in one tip to the local task force, he said.

Steve Steiner, a 42-year-old electrician, founded DAMMADD in May 2001 after his 19-year-old son, Stevie, died from an accidental overdose of the painkiller Oxycontin. The group offers rewards from $100 to $1,500 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of drug traffickers according to its Web site, www.dammadd.org.

Informants may remain anonymous, Mr. Steiner said.

E-mail smclaughlin@enquirer.com