Governor Kay Ivey announced $64,054 in grants on Tuesday to fund additional support for The Alabama Drug Task Force.
The task force, which began operations in October of 2017, lead by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, was established by Ivey to provide a concerted legal effort to reduce the impact of drugs and to dismantle drug organizations in the state.
“My administration is committed to supporting the strong efforts of ALEA and law enforcement agencies across the state to take drugs off the streets and put offenders in jail,” Ivey said. “I commend these brave officers, who are united behind a single cause, for their dedication to make Alabama a better and safer place to live.”
The total task force is comprised of more than 90 officers from over 40 agencies forming seven regional multi-jurisdictional offices.
This grant boost will provide funding for a variety of purposes, including equipment and overtime pay. The funds were made available by the U.S. Justice Department, and will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
Within the first six months of operation, the task force made 146 arrests involving 312 drug cases, seized an assortment of illegal and prescription drugs and confiscated 145 firearms, according to ALEA.
“The Alabama Drug Task Force is working tirelessly to improve the safety of communities across our state,” added Kenneth Boswell, ADECA Director. “ADECA is pleased to join Governor Ivey in supporting the efforts and operations of this task force.”
