Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2006
Source: Coolidge Examiner (AZ)
Copyright: 2006 Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc.
Contact: P.O. BOX 15002, CASA GRANDE, AZ 85230-5002
Website: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4242
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Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CONGRESSMAN RENZI AIDS PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN WAR ON DRUGS

U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi recently witnessed first-hand the 
mountain of evidence associated with the war on drugs in rural 
Arizona. Renzi was in Florence on Monday, Aug. 14, and visited 
briefly with county officials at the Pinal County Courthouse before 
heading over to the sheriff's office. There he met with Sheriff Chris 
Vasquez and received a brief tour, which included demonstrations by 
the Narcotics Task Force, K-9 Unit and the Pinal County SWAT Team.

Renzi, a Republican, and Sheriff Vasquez, a Democrat, see no party 
affiliation when it comes to the war on methamphetamine and its 
devastating effect on Arizona's rural communities. Putting party 
affiliations aside, Sheriff Vasquez and Congressman Renzi, a member 
of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, 
have joined forces in the methamphetamine war.

Last year Renzi secured $1 million in federal funds, with $150,000 
specifically designated for Pinal County, in an effort to combat 
methamphetamine by providing law enforcement with the tools necessary 
to fight the battle against a drug that has become an epidemic.

"Dealing with the methamphetamine epidemic is not about politics," 
said Sheriff Vasquez. "It's about bringing the prevention and the law 
enforcement services needed to keep our communities safe."

The sheriff gave Renzi a tour of the armory and visually brought the 
reality of the war against drugs into evidence, providing Renzi with 
a first-hand look at the tons of illegal drugs seized by the Pinal 
County Sheriff's Office. Renzi was shown over seven tons of 
marijuana, bricks of cocaine and bags of the tiny crystals of 
methamphetamine that are the enemy in his fight against the highly 
addictive drug.

Following the indoor tour, Renzi was led outside to witness a display 
of weapons and a 1,000-pound cache of marijuana. The Congressman was 
also shown the narcotics team's undercover vehicle and the SWAT 
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).

The drug sniffing K-9, Fazo, demonstrated his skills in suspect 
takedowns and sniffing out drugs, and the SWAT team re-enacted an 
extraction maneuver which included the detonation of a "flash-bang" 
grenade. Following the demonstrations, Renzi was given the 
opportunity to experience detonating a "flash-bang" grenade himself, 
with assistance from the sheriff and SWAT.

After examining the department's Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), 
Renzi announced to Sheriff Vasquez that he had arranged for the 
department to receive approximately $250,000 for the purchase of a 
new APC. The current APC was purchased as military surplus over five 
years ago and is experiencing mechanical problems. Sheriff Vasquez 
said he has been working for over a year with various sources to 
obtain funding for a new APC. It will take about a year for the new 
APC to arrive once it has been ordered.

"I'm honored to be a part of this," Renzi said. "You guys deserve it."

Before heading out to his next appearance, Renzi thanked the law 
enforcement officers for their dedication and sacrifice in protecting 
him, his children and the citizens of Pinal County.

Vasquez expressed his appreciation for Renzi's support, saying, "Rick 
has done more for Pinal County than any other elected official at the 
federal level. For that, Rick has my deepest respect."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman