Federal Money Coming to Mid-Columbia to Fight Drug Trafficking

The Federal Office of Drug Control Policy announced Monday $13.4 million dollars will be sent to 28 different areas of the country to help fight drug trafficking. These areas are called HIDTA, or High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas - and we are considered one of them.

 According to information released by the Office of Drug Control Policy, the 28 areas include the counties of Benton, Franklin, Yakima, Spokane as well as a number on the West side.

Over $416,000 will be awarded to law enforcement and other anti-drug agencies to help curb what the feds say is significant gateways for drugs that make their way into the country.  Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Spokane counties are considered main distribution and dispersion points for numerous types of drugs, such as heroin, meth and others.

According to the Northwest HIDTA (the regional branch of the federal agency):

"The Northwest HIDTA’s two greatest drug threats are methamphetamine and marijuana. Although clandestine methamphetamine lab activity has significantly decreased, methamphetamine use remains prevalent. The decrease in local production is off-set by increased production in Mexico by Mexican poly-drug trafficking organizations. Marijuana is the most readily available and widely abused drug in Washington State."

The specific breakdown of how much money will go to each county was not immediately released.