Department of Justice Releases Federal Funds for Operation UNITE

Press Release

Department of Justice Releases Federal Funds for Operation UNITE

Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has authorized disbursement of $3.4 million for Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education) to continue its important anti-drug initiatives in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. This month Operation UNITE, working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Kentucky Attorney General's Department of Criminal Investigation, Kentucky State Police, and local law enforcement, has sought 76 suspected drug dealers through undercover investigations in four counties. To date, Operation UNITE has conducted 113 drug round-ups seeking 2,964 suspects for possible prosecution on drug-related crimes.

"Operation UNITE's efforts this August should leave no doubt that we are committed to getting drug dealers off of our streets, and the ongoing collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement officers has truly made Southern and Eastern Kentucky a safer place to live," stated Rogers. "The beauty of UNITE is that there are opportunities for non-violent offenders grappling with addiction to receive rehabilitative treatment or participate in a drug court program to support their re-entry into life as productive citizens. For those high-level drug pushers, with the help of our federal partners like DEA, these criminals should see the inside of a prison for a long time. By working together, we are breaking down cross-county, multi-state, and international drug rings."

UNITE's multi-pronged approach to combating drub abuse involves not only such investigations, but also important treatment and educational programming. To date, UNITE detectives have confiscated over $8.3 million worth of drugs off the street, including more than 79,500 prescription pills, more than 20 pounds of cocaine, nearly 450 pounds of processed marijuana and over 11 pounds of methamphetamine. Including the six roundups conducted this August, their efforts have led to the arrests of 2,732 drug dealers and a 97.4% conviction rate. Operation UNITE also provides non-violent offenders and those grappling with addiction with a second chance—over 1,670 non-violent offenders have participated in UNITE drug court programs, and more than 1,250 individuals have received vouchers for treatment. Finally, Operation UNITE continues to educate our youth about the dangers of drug abuse; to date, 64,595 counseling sessions have taken place with UNITE substance abuse counselors. For more information on UNITE, visit www.operationunite.org or call 866-678-6483.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.

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