Cut, cut, cut...and a field day for drug trafficking
Governor Kitzhaber has proposed de-funding a very important law enforcement tool here in Oregon: The Oregon High Intensity Trafficking Area program, (HIDTA).
We have often reported on the arrests of Mexican drug cartel members who are trying to bring cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana into Oregon. There were three huge arrests just last week. Often times it is Oregon State Police, working under the framework of the HIDTA, who make the arrest.
The goals of the HIDTA program are to disrupt the market for illegal drugs by disrupting or dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in the program the government saves $515.
We encourage you to contact the following members of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety and ask them to save the 25 Oregon State Police Detective Jobs that Dismantle Drug Trafficking Organizations. The last thing this state needs is more illicit drugs that can be marketed to our children.
Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety.
Sen. Jackie Winters, Co-Chair, 503-986-1710; sen.jackiewinters@state.or.us
Rep. Jeff Barker, Co-Vice Chair 503-986-1428; rep.jeffbarker@state.or.us
Rep. Mary Nolan, Co-Chair, 503-986-1436; rep.marynolan@state.or.us
Rep. Greg Smith, Co-Chair, 503-986-1457; rep.gregsmith@state.or.us
Rep. Wally Hicks, Co-Vice Chair 503-986-1403; rep.wallyhicks@state.or.us
Sen. Rod Monroe 503-986-1724; sen.rodmonroe@state.or.us
Sen. Joanne Verger 503-986-1705; sen.joanneverger@state.or.us
Ask these State Senators not to make any cuts to the Oregon State Police (OSP) Detectives (25 positions) that work with regional drug task forces to dismantle international drug trafficking organizations.
Oregon State Police Detectives along with county and law enforcement are at the forefront of battling international drug trafficking organizations, particularly in rural Oregon. In rural Oregon, OSP Detectives are the core and foundation of regional drug task forces.
For example, on June 15, 2011 OSP Officers working with the Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team took down the largest marijuana grow (91-thousand plants) ever discovered in Oregon.
Only when state, county, and local law enforcement have the economic resources and personnel that allow them work together can Oregonians feel safe from international drug trafficking organizations taking over our federal and state forests.
Ask these Senators to “vote no” on any elimination of Oregon State Police Detective jobs that protect Oregonians from international drug trafficking organizations.
Read the AP article in the Oregon issues section of our website:
