HERGER TAKES PART IN MARIJUANA RAID

Rep. Wally Herger participated in a marijuana eradication effort
Monday, led by Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko in coordination with
state and federal agencies.

Herger wanted an up close and personal assessment of the enormous
challenges facing local law enforcement as they deal with the
explosion of illegal marijuana gardens planted by Mexican drug
cartels, according to a press release issued Tuesday.

It is a daunting task, but we cannot surrender to the drug lords,
Herger said in the release. This is a federal government obligation,
but too much of the burden is falling upon local law enforcement agencies.

They need reinforcements and additional resources.

In late June, Herger introduced a resolution calling on the Office of
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a coordinated strategy
to permanently dismantle Mexican drug trafficking organizations
operating on federal lands.

Earlier this year, Herger arranged a meeting between the ONDCP, Bureau
of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Drug Enforcement
Administration and Department of Homeland Security to discuss
strategies to combat this serious problem, the release said.

These traffickers pose a threat to the visitors of national parks and
forests and local law enforcement, and the federal government is
fundamentally responsible for addressing it, Herger said.

We must focus more attention and begin a process of greater
cooperation and coordination among the agencies responsible for
protecting our federal lands and the citizens who want to enjoy them.