By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith is confused about the priorities of those in government when it comes to funding the war on drugs in America.
In a recent move by the federal government, funds to fight the war on drugs in the United States was cut to zero when a push to fund the Justice Assistance Grant/Byrne program failed. Those federal funds have been distributed in previous years among Drug Task Force units across the country.
Smith said there is not a lot that can be done about the situation, but citizens have an opportunity to help keep the local Drug Task.
Smith said Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Jo Bonner have been very supportive in their efforts to have the JAG/Byrne funds put into place.
Smith said the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force Unit is responsible for sending hundreds of drug dealers to court each year.
Smith said those statistics alone are worth fighting to keep the Drug Task Force Unit alive.
To contact government officials concering task force funding, Sessions can be reached by mail at 41 West I-65 Service Road North, Suite 2300-A, Mobile, Alabama 36608-1291 or by phone at (251) 414-3083. Bonner may be reached by mail at 11 North Water Street, Suite 15290 Mobile, Alabama 36602, or phone at 1-800-288-8721.