VIDALIA &8212; Christmas came early for the Concordia Narcotics Task Force Nov. 17.

According to a press release, the Isle of Capri Casino, Natchez, donated several thousand dollars worth of surveillance and undercover equipment to the CPSO narcotics unit.

&8220;We are extremely grateful to the Isle and its management and security teams for this donation to help us fight illegal drugs throughout the parish,&8221; Sheriff Randy Maxwell stated Wednesday.

Sgt. Greg Jackson said the equipment was video surveillance that would be placed in suspected high-drug traffic areas such as neighborhoods and street corners in the parish.

&8220;This equipment will definitely help us in the field in reducing narcotics and street level crime,&8221; Jackson said. &8220;It makes our jobs easier and will add to the equipment we already have.&8221;

Casino General Manager Jack Sours said it donated the equipment because it is required to frequently replace its surveillance equipment.

&8220;The equipment is still in good condition for what the sheriff&8217;s office needs it for, but obsolete for our use,&8221; Sours said.

The equipment includes cameras, VCRs and recorders, once used inside the casino to monitor gaming activity, he said.

Jackson said the Isle of Capri security personnel agreed to help install the equipment, and some of it is already in use by the narcotics task force.

&8220;This is a perfect example of community business and industry working hand-in-hand with law enforcement,&8221; Maxwell stated.

&8220;We are all very appreciative of their contribution and can promise them and our citizens that it will be put to very good use.&8221;