WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) applauded the designation of Jefferson County, West Virginia as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Thursday.
Jefferson is one of 14 additional counties in 10 states that was announced by Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli.
The HIDTA designation will enable Jefferson County to receive federal resources to further the coordination and development of drug control efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement officials.
It also will allow local agencies to benefit from ongoing HIDTA-coordinated initiatives working to reduce drug use and its consequences across the United States.
Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty says they’ve been looking forward to this cooperation for over 2 years. He mentioned “it’s a good day for the people of Jefferson County, and it’s a major step that we think will help make Jefferson County a safer place to work, live, and visit.”
He also thanked the support of our Senators, and Congressman Mooney who got the entire delegation to send a letter requesting their inclusion.
Jefferson is now the 19th county in West Virginia to receive HIDTA designation.
Berkeley County received HIDTA designation in 2014.