Letter to the Hon. James Carroll, Dir. of the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy - Schumer announces, after extensive advocacy, "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" designation for Oswego County, with crime fighting resources coming to area--HIDTA designation brings additional aid to fight opioid scourge & help disrupt trafficking

Letter

Dear Director Carroll:

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Oswego County to be designated a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). This designation would enable Oswego County and its crime-fighting departments to receive funding to fight a recent increase in drug trafficking that has greatly affected the health of the county.

Oswego County, which has a population of approximately 122,000, is a central geographical location in New York that is convenient for traffickers. In recent years, investigations have found large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and opioids in the county. Such a significant drug presence has negatively affected Oswego's college students and community at large, causing increasing numbers of overdoses. The community is employing a comprehensive approach to addressing this problem, but law enforcement agencies face budget cuts that make it harder for them to carry out the community's plans.

With funding, law enforcement would be more able to fight drug trafficking in their county. They could purchase key equipment, such as GPS units, investigation equipment, and TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzers. These devices would ensure officers' safety and make them more effective in this critical area. I applaud Oswego County for its efforts to combat drug trafficking, and sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.

Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Coordinator in my Washington, DC office at 202-224-6542.

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