CONGRESSMAN RENZI AIDS PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN WAR ON DRUGS

U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi recently witnessed first-hand the
mountain of evidence associated with the war on drugs in rural
Arizona. Renzi was in Florence on Monday, Aug. 14, and visited
briefly with county officials at the Pinal County Courthouse before
heading over to the sheriff's office. There he met with Sheriff Chris
Vasquez and received a brief tour, which included demonstrations by
the Narcotics Task Force, K-9 Unit and the Pinal County SWAT Team.

Renzi, a Republican, and Sheriff Vasquez, a Democrat, see no party
affiliation when it comes to the war on methamphetamine and its
devastating effect on Arizona's rural communities. Putting party
affiliations aside, Sheriff Vasquez and Congressman Renzi, a member
of the Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine,
have joined forces in the methamphetamine war.

Last year Renzi secured $1 million in federal funds, with $150,000
specifically designated for Pinal County, in an effort to combat
methamphetamine by providing law enforcement with the tools necessary
to fight the battle against a drug that has become an epidemic.

"Dealing with the methamphetamine epidemic is not about politics,"
said Sheriff Vasquez. "It's about bringing the prevention and the law
enforcement services needed to keep our communities safe."

The sheriff gave Renzi a tour of the armory and visually brought the
reality of the war against drugs into evidence, providing Renzi with
a first-hand look at the tons of illegal drugs seized by the Pinal
County Sheriff's Office. Renzi was shown over seven tons of
marijuana, bricks of cocaine and bags of the tiny crystals of
methamphetamine that are the enemy in his fight against the highly
addictive drug.

Following the indoor tour, Renzi was led outside to witness a display
of weapons and a 1,000-pound cache of marijuana. The Congressman was
also shown the narcotics team's undercover vehicle and the SWAT
Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).

The drug sniffing K-9, Fazo, demonstrated his skills in suspect
takedowns and sniffing out drugs, and the SWAT team re-enacted an
extraction maneuver which included the detonation of a "flash-bang"
grenade. Following the demonstrations, Renzi was given the
opportunity to experience detonating a "flash-bang" grenade himself,
with assistance from the sheriff and SWAT.

After examining the department's Armored Personnel Carrier (APC),
Renzi announced to Sheriff Vasquez that he had arranged for the
department to receive approximately $250,000 for the purchase of a
new APC. The current APC was purchased as military surplus over five
years ago and is experiencing mechanical problems. Sheriff Vasquez
said he has been working for over a year with various sources to
obtain funding for a new APC. It will take about a year for the new
APC to arrive once it has been ordered.

"I'm honored to be a part of this," Renzi said. "You guys deserve it."

Before heading out to his next appearance, Renzi thanked the law
enforcement officers for their dedication and sacrifice in protecting
him, his children and the citizens of Pinal County.

Vasquez expressed his appreciation for Renzi's support, saying, "Rick
has done more for Pinal County than any other elected official at the
federal level. For that, Rick has my deepest respect."