SMITH: CONFUSED ABOUT WAR ON DRUGS

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."

In a recent move by the federal government, funds to fight the war on
drugs in the United States was cut to zero when a push to fund the
Justice Assistance Grant / Byrne program failed. Those funds have
been distributed in previous years among Drug Task Force units across
the country.

"I was upset when they cut our funding a couple of years ago," Smith
said. "We were cut from $210,000 to $140,000. Now they've cut it all out."

Smith said there is not a lot that can be done about the situation,
but citizens have an opportunity to help keep the local Drug Task Force.

"I'm asking the public to stand with us and get a message to
Washington, D.C.," Smith said. "We need to let Washington know that
we want them to put the Drug Task Force money back."

Smith said Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Jo Bonner have been
very supportive in their efforts to have the JAG/Byrne funds put into place.

"Sessions and Bonner have made every effort to keep this money for
the war on drugs in Alabama," Smith said. "Even with their help it
never hurts to contact them and let them know how we feel about
having this unit funded. A phone call or a post card would be
sufficient, but we need to get the word to the people that can make a
difference about how important this funding is."

Smith said the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force Unit is responsible for
sending hundreds of drug dealers to court each year.

"The agencies represented in our Drug Task Force work well together
and have accomplished a lot," Smith said. "The unit is averaging 300
drug dealers every year into the courts in this county. That's not
300 cases, that's 300 dealers that this unit has sent to court."

Smith said those statistics alone are worth fighting to keep the Drug
Task Force Unit alive.

"The city police officers in our county are busy answering calls
about speeders, thefts and other things and don't have time to set up
and work on drug cases," Smith said. "We need to keep this unit
together working in one central location. Unless we ask taxpayers to
take on some of the responsibility, we must fight and search for any
way to get funding for the Drug Task Force."

Smith recommended citizens who are in favor of keeping the 21st
Judicial Drug Task Force alive, should call Senator Sessions and
Congressman Bonner to voice their concerns.

Sessions can be reached by calling (251) 414-3083. Bonner may be
reached by calling 251-690-2811 or 1-800-288-8721.