TASK FORCE AWARDED FUNDS FOR CONTINUED OPERATIONS

The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force got a Christmas present straight
from the governor's office this week that will help them fight drugs
in Escambia County.

Governor Don Siegelman has awarded $210,000 to continue the battle
against illegal use and distribution within the county. The governor
notified Escambia County Commission Chairman Larry White that the
grant had been approved to continue the operation of the 21st
Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. Local matching funds of $70,000
have been committed to the project by Escambia County.

Task Force Commander Keith Hutchins said the grant is a necessity for
the agency.

"Without this money we could not function as an agency," Hutchins
said. "It is needed in order for the county to maintain an
independent agency focusing solely on drugs and crimes associated
with drugs."

Hutchins said the grant money is used to pay salaries, purchase
equipment, office rent and many other operational expenses.

The task force is made up of four agents, a prosecutor and an
administrative assistant.

Siegelman said the awarding of the grant should be viewed as a symbol
of Alabama's determination to fight drug trafficking and drug abuse.

"The continuation of this program sends a strong message that
trafficking, distribution and use of illegal drugs will not be
tolerated in the state of Alabama," Siegelman said. "I commend the
work of law enforcement officials in Escambia County and I am pleased
to provide these funds."

The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force is a combined effort of the
Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the Escambia County District
Attorney's Office and municipal police departments in Brewton,
Atmore, East Brewton and Flomaton. The organizations join together to
create a single multi-jurisdictional unit dedicated to the
enforcement of controlled substances laws and the investigation of
other drug-related crime in Escambia County.

Activities funded by the grant include investigation and prosecution
of drug offenders who commit violent crimes, seizure of money and
property used in drug-related crimes and surveillance of gangs who
distribute crack cocaine, marijuana and other illegal drugs. The task
force also works to increase training for law enforcement officers
and to improve interaction with probation and parole officials.

Siegelman awarded the grant from funds made available to the state
through a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. He has
designated the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
to administer the grant.