WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
April 4, 2017
Sheriff Rick Thompson is pleased to announce that he will assign a deputy to the Appalachia HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area).
The 119 Drug Task Force Unit is compiled for the local area, including Wayne, Logan, Boone, and Mingo counties. The 119 HIDTA Task Force is part of the Appalachia District which include select counties in Western Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
HIDTA allows local officers (assigned to the unit) to work freely across county and state lines that are included in the respected districts. The deputy assigned, while still working primarily in Wayne County will have the ability to work closely and in connection with the adjoining counties. They also work with other local authorities such as County Drug Enforcement Units, State Police Departments and City Municipalities.
Federally funded programs such as this allow for a much needed focus on drugs being transported across county and state lines. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department has participated in HIDTA programs in the past such as the Marijuana Eradication Project however; this is one of the first posts in which an officer has been assigned in this manner
Sheriff Thompson said, “This task force will enable us to more effectively combat drug trafficking within our region that is taking such a heavy toll on our people and our communities. I look forward to positive results from this much needed collaborative effort.”
