Stearns County classified by the federal government as a “high-intensity drug trafficking area”

(KNSI) – The Office of National Drug Control Policy has designated Stearns County as a high intensity drug trafficking area.

This move will provide additional resources to help curb the flow of illegal drugs through the region. Benefits include access to federal intelligence analysts, funding for the regional drug task force, and the ability to work together to crack down on dealers.

Sheriff Steve Soyka laments: “Unfortunately, Stearns County's location in central Minnesota allows us to be a hub or transit point for the trafficking of controlled substances. We have seen a rise in methamphetamine over the years, along with a recent explosion of fentanyl pills in our area. With that comes trafficking throughout Minnesota, but also the tragedy of overdoses. Sometimes fatal.”

Last year, there were 131 non-fatal overdoses and 23 fatal overdoses in Stearns County. Two of the fatalities were children. A 14-year-old and a 14-month-old baby both died from fentanyl.

Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer had been actively lobbying the federal government to include Stearns County in the HIDTA program. He describes the need as “clear and immediate.” He is optimistic that this move will help the region. “Stearns County will be better equipped to save lives, reduce risks and remove barriers to effective interventions. We are proud to have played a role in securing this inclusion and look forward to our continued work with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure they have the resources they need to combat the drug epidemic that affects so many Minnesota communities.”

___

Copyright 2024 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed or rewritten in any way without permission.