Jerry Adams

In this issue, the Director's message referenced the expansion of the HIDTA program and the recommended inclusion of seven more counties. A threat assessment survey collected from all law enforcement agencies in the proposed counties. That information was collated into a combined report which is designed to answer four key questions. They are: The extent to which the are is a center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation or distribution;

The extent to which State and local law enforcement agencies have committed resources to respond to the drug trafficking problem in the area, thereby indicating a determination to respond aggressively to the problem;
The extent to which drug-related activities in the area are having a harmful impact in other areas of the country; and
The extent to which a significant increase in allocation of Federal resources is necessary to respond adequately to drug-related activities in the area.

The HIDTA's information Services Unit drafted the eighteen-page summary of the drug threat in Clark, Kitsap, Benton, Franklin and Spokane counties. This report provides an overview of the drug trafficking throughout the State of Washington as regional problems affect each county individually.

Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana remain the most-common drugs encountered by law enforcement. Virtually every law enforcement agency surveyed said that meth labs were a problem. Many jurisdictions have developed full or partial clan lab response teams within the last 18 months. The threat assessment report is available to and may be obtained by calling 206-352-3600.

Inside this issue:
Message from the Director
Prevention / Treatment Initiatives by Steve Freng
Enforcement Highlights by Bill Wittenburger
Future Training
Other HIDTA Newsletters

Watch Center’s phone: 1.888.388.DRUG (3784)
Meth Tip Line: 1.888.609.METH (6384)