Letter to Rahul Gupta, Director of the Office of National Drug Policy - Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Leads Effort to Secure Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl in Montezuma County
Letter
Dear Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gupta,
As our nation confronts the increasing proliferation of drug trafficking into our communities, I write to offer for ONDCP's consideration the potential inclusion of Montezuma County in Southwest Colorado as a designated county within the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Even as they contend with limited budgetary resources, the Montezuma-Cortez Narcotics Investigations Team (MCNIT) has done an outstanding job of taking deadly and illicit drugs off the streets without the opportunity to engage with and benefit from the HIDTA federal grant program. These law enforcement professionals certainly deserve our thanks and support.
Mexican drug cartels have shifted their transportation routes away from interstate highways and towards secondary highways -- to include U.S. Highways 160, 550, and 491 -- and Montezuma County has borne the impact. During 2021, the MCNIT seized nearly 107,000 illegally manufactured fentanyl pills, more than 14 pounds of methamphetamine, and nearly 1,000 grams of heroin. The County has seen 80 overdose cases from 2016 through 2020 and lost 45 residents to drug overdoses over the 2010-2020 period -- all according to data from the Colorado Department of Health. As of December, Montezuma County was also continuing investigations into seven drug distribution cells.
While performing extraordinary work, it's clear that our local law enforcement personnel need additional assistance to counter a worsening drug crisis. I request you provide your assurances that any HIDTA application submitted by Montezuma County will receive full and fair consideration. As ONDCP continues its important mission, please be assured that our local law enforcement personnel are willing and able to work with federal agency partners to keep our communities safe. Thank you in advance for your careful consideration of this request and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
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