Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith is confused about the priorities of those in government when it comes to funding the war on drugs in America. "The federal government has seen fit to send $680 million to the Mexican government to fight drugs there," Smith said. "They have sent over $580 million to the Iraqi police and have given American police no funds to combat the war on drugs. It's apparent this is not a priority for congress or the president, but it is a priority for us." [continues 456 words]
With federal funds being all but eliminated, officers with the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force may be changing their duties. "The Task Force has an annual operating budget of $280,000," county administrator Tony Sanks said. "Two years ago, federal funds made up 75 percent of that amount with agencies adding the other 25 percent of the funding. Last year, that amount was cut to a 50-50 match. This year, the federal funds have been cut to $94,250." [continues 356 words]
Red Ribbons will be decorating the halls of area schools this week in recognition of Drug Awareness Week. The annual event is scheduled for Oct. 23 through 31 this year and will be filled with speeches, activities and information about drugs and their effects on users and their loved ones. "There is too much money in the drug business," Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith said. "We won't be able to stop the drug business until we do something about the demand." [continues 450 words]
Drugs have become a scourge on modern society creeping into our backyards and homes. The only way we can fight the war on drugs is to arm ourselves with information. No longer can we close our eyes, blinded to the problems. It is time that we as educators, parents and friends talk to those we feel might be suffering from those addictions bent on destroying our lives. Drugs are deadly, bad for your health and illegal. This past year "Yellow" ribbons have been posted everywhere from business windows to cars showing our support of our local heroes. This month is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month identified by "Pink" ribbons. Now as National Red Ribbon week sets in this week, October 23 - -31, 2004, we should all sport our "Red" ribbons proudly as a soldier in the war on drugs. [continues 243 words]
The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force got a Christmas present straight from the governor's office this week that will help them fight drugs in Escambia County. Governor Don Siegelman has awarded $210,000 to continue the battle against illegal use and distribution within the county. The governor notified Escambia County Commission Chairman Larry White that the grant had been approved to continue the operation of the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. Local matching funds of $70,000 have been committed to the project by Escambia County. [continues 318 words]
