LAS VEGAS, NV – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) are announcing that Nevada law enforcement will receive more than $3.4 million in federal funding to crack down on illicit drug trafficking and help address the overdose epidemic. These federal funds come from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which supports federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies’ efforts to seize illicit drugs such as fentanyl, reduce drug trafficking-related violent crime, enhance data sharing and targeting for improved interdiction outcomes, and dismantle money laundering organizations. Both Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto were part of a bipartisan group of Senators who pushed for funding for the HIDTA Program last year.
“Drug trafficking and the flow of illicit fentanyl into the United States are fueling an overdose crisis across Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m working across the aisle to secure our border, stop the flow of fentanyl, and support law enforcement to keep our communities safe. I’m glad to announce more than $3.4 million in federal funding that will help law enforcement in Nevada improve their operations and fight drug trafficking in our state.”
“Too many Nevadans have lost their lives to fatal overdoses,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This federal funding will support our local HIDTA team as they work to crack down on drug trafficking and keep our families safe. I’ll continue working to ensure our law enforcement is receiving the tools and resources they need to combat this epidemic.”
Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have consistently worked across the aisle to support law enforcement and stop the flow of illicit drugs. Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on illicit drugs since she was Nevada’s Attorney General, when she worked with law enforcement and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. Both senators helped pass the bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law last month to help combat fentanyl trafficking. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan END FENTANYL Act was signed into law to help crack down on drug smuggling by requiring the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to update its drug interdiction guidance to ensure it is up to date. Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have also pushed for additional funding to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl.
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