Montgomery County Gets Federal Assistance As 'High Intensity Drug Area'

NORRISTOWN, PA — White House policymakers have identified Montgomery County as one of 27 "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas" (HIDTA) across the country, and will enter into a partnership with officials in the area to continue the crackdown against drug sales.

White House Acting Drug Policy Director Richard Baum made the announcement last week. The Montgomery County Detective Bureau, Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, and Montgomery County Drug Task Force will be partnering with federal officials from the Philadelphia-Camden HIDTA on the new initiative.

Local officials view the designation with gratitude as they believe it will provide important assistance in the ongoing fight against opioids and drug sales.

“This HIDTA designation will now allow us to stand united with our law enforcement regional partners to battle the opioid epidemic that has taken hold of our communities," DA Kevin Steele said. "Together at the local, state and federal level, we will fight those who traffic and import drugs into our communities and the dealers who are selling the heroin and fentanyl that have already killed so many."

HIDTA facilitates greater coordination between different law enforcement agencies at different levels, officials said.

The program was created by an act Congress in 1988.

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