Capito backs bill to expand HIDTA enforcement efforts
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is backing a federal measure that would allow officials to more forcefully go after criminals trafficking drugs.
Capito said the proposed HIDTA Enhancement Act, if passed by the U.S. Senate and Congress, would stop fentanyl from flowing into West Virginia communities.
The federal measure also 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, Capito said Thursday.
'Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse,' Capito said in a prepared statement. '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.'
Capito said the HIDTA Enhancement Act would specifically:
- Reauthorizes the HIDTA program at $333 million annually through 2030, increasing support for law enforcement efforts to combat drug use and trafficking.
- Increases authorization for competitive grants to $14,224,000 and expands use of funds to include enhanced fentanyl seizure and interdiction activities.
- Directs collaboration between the attorney general and the executive boards of each designated HIDTA.
- Require a report within the annual National Drug Control Strategy describing the use of HIDTA funds to investigate fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances.
The HIDTA program is administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and supports collaboration between federal, state, and locall law enforcement agencies to reduce drug trafficking and misuse. There are 33 regional HIDTAs across the U.S., covering counties in all 50 states.
In West Virginia, there are currently 24 counties that are designated a HIDTA.
Mercer County was added to the HIDTA back in 2011.
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