Efforts to curb drug trafficking in LaPorte County are getting a boost from the federal government. LaPorte County is now one of four in Indiana to be designated a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, U.S. Attorney David Capp, and various law enforcement officials joined LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd Thursday to announce the initiative. The Sheriff’s Office says it will give the county access to federal resources to increase enforcement and improve prevention efforts.
Lake and Porter counties were the first in Indiana to receive the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area designation. Last month, the Office of National Drug Control Policy approved the addition of LaPorte and Marion counties to that list. According to WSBT-TV, Capp noted that LaPorte County completes the drug transportation corridor from Chicago, through Lake and Porter counties.
Meanwhile, Donnelly said Thursday that the designation will mean an increase in federal agencies’ involvement in the local area. The senator had written letters to Office of National Drug Control Policy, supporting the addition of LaPorte and Marion counties to the program.
