Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.6 million to aid in the fight against illegal drugs and drug-related crime in Alabama.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the state’s seven regional drug task forces will each receive $202,557. The funds will be used to continue the battle against drug sellers, manufacturers, and users and to stop the sale and illegal use of pharmaceutical drugs.
“Public safety is at the forefront of our mission, and I am proud to aid our law enforcement in the battle against illegal drugs and crime,” stated Ivey. “As I said last night during my state of the state address, we will continue working to make Alabama a great state to live, work and raise a family for years to come. No doubt, that includes keeping our communities safe and free of crime. I commend the important work being done by ALEA and these task forces.”
These task forces were formed in 2018 and are made up of members from law enforcement agencies within their region. Each region comprises eight to 12 counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds from the U.S. Department of Justice and will be used to cover overtime, and operational and equipment expenses. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development.
“ADECA is pleased to play a role in this program that helps take drugs off the streets and make our communities safer,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell stated. “We join Gov. Ivey in commending the work of these task forces.”
