WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently joined a bipartisan group to introduce legislation that aims to more forcefully go after criminals trafficking drugs and stop fentanyl from ravaging West Virginia communities. The legislation, known as the HIDTA Enhancement Act, would reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program—which brings together federal and local law enforcement to stop drug trafficking—and provide them with greater resources to cover more activities to enhance fentanyl prevention and seizures.
“Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse,” Senator Capito said. “The brave law enforcement officers of HIDTA are working every day to stop illicit fentanyl and other illegal drugs in their tracks. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will continue to support the HIDTA program’s mission, provide additional resources to stop the trafficking of fentanyl, and save lives across the country.”
Specifically, the HIDTA Enhancement Act:
See what stakeholders are saying about the HIDTA Enhancement Act:
“Drug trafficking organizations continue to negatively impact the health and stability of our communities nationwide. The lethality of the drugs sold, coupled with the violence associated with their operations necessitate broad action and strategies designed to foster collaboration and effectiveness. The HIDTA program convenes law enforcement partners from federal, state, and local agencies, fostering investigative and enforcement practices designed to disrupt and dismantle these groups. Senator Capito’s leadership to ensure that the HIDTA program is funded through the HIDTA Enhancement Act is critical and prioritizes the welfare of communities throughout West Virginia and the nation,” Jeff Beeson, Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Executive Director, said.
“Fentanyl and other deadly drugs have taken so many young lives in the last few years; devastating the family members left behind to suffer the loss, and no area has been affected more than Appalachia. This bill reauthorizing the HIDTA program is vital as it facilitates collaboration among Federal, State, Local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies and will allow the program to continue to combat the drug crisis in West Virginia, all of Appalachia, and the entire nation. Given the profound impact Fentanyl has had on so many families, schools, and communities across the nation, this bill will be instrumental in enabling the HIDTA program to continue the important work of investigating the violent Drug Trafficking Organizations, many with direct Cartel connections, bringing this poison into our country. Senator Capito’s dedication and commitment already has, and will continue to have, a huge impact on the issue. I am truly grateful to Senator Capito for her long-time commitment in keeping the country secure from the drugs that are plaguing the Appalachia region and the entire nation,” Vic Brown, Appalachia HIDTA Executive Director, said.
“The NNOAC commends Senators Kelly, Blackburn, Capito, Cortez Masto, and Klobuchar for their efforts to put forward legislation that provides significant resource increases to the HIDTA Program by reauthorizing it at $333 million annually. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. The HIDTA Enhancement Act will go a long way in assisting law enforcement with its efforts to detect and mitigate the threat of these dangerous substances. The HIDTA Program is the gold standard in bringing federal, state, and local resources together, and we are encouraged that this legislation will provide more to rid our communities of the scourge of illegal narcotics,” Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, said.
“The Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (DEAFNA) strongly supports the HIDTA Enhancement Act to strengthen the proven successful efforts of HIDTAs across the USA. 300 Americans are dying daily from a drug overdose, this bill sponsored by Senators Kelly, Blackburn, Capito, Cortez Masto, and Klobuchar demonstrates determined unity to address these disturbing numbers. HIDTA’s commingled federal, state, local and tribal task forces are uniquely situated throughout the United States to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations determined to make a living on the backs of Americans dealing with drug addiction. The HIDTA Enhancement Act, authorizing the HIDTA program at $333 Million (annually), reflects determined efforts providing law enforcement agencies with necessary resources supporting drug law enforcement and prevention,” Marshall Fisher, President, DEAFNA, said.
“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) applauds Senators Kelly, Blackburn, Capito, Cortez Masto, and Klobuchar for their ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic and for advocating for essential resources to support our mission of protecting communities across the nation. The HIDTA Enhancement Act would provide law enforcement with critical tools to target drug traffickers and prevent fentanyl from entering our communities. We also appreciate that the bill would reauthorize the HIDTA program at $333 million annually — an essential increase. The devastating impact of fentanyl on our communities requires us to adopt new and effective strategies, and this bill will equip us to meet that challenge head-on. We stand ready to support all efforts to advance this important legislation,” Megan Noland, Executive Director, MCSA, said.
BACKGROUND:
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), supports collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to reduce drug trafficking and misuse. There are 33 regional HIDTAs across the U.S., covering counties in all 50 states. HIDTA helps law enforcement share information, coordinate efforts, and pursue the most significant drug threats. In 2022 alone, HIDTAs seized an estimated $22 billion in illicit drugs and cash.
In West Virginia, there are currently 24 counties that are designated a HIDTA. When she served as chair of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito provided the largest increase and amount of funding ever for the HIDTA program, a level that continues to the present time.
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