Feds label Fayette as ‘high intensity drug trafficking area’

Sun, 02/24/2008 - 4:54pm
By: Cal Beverly

Designation will bring federal money and equipment to ‘disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations’ operating locally

It’s likely not a label Fayette Countians have been expecting: one of only 14 percent of counties in the United States designated by the federal government as a “high intensity drug trafficking area (HIDTA).”

Fayette joins metro Atlanta counties of Barrow, Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Douglas, Forsyth and Henry as a newly designated HIDTA, according to John P. Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy.

The HIDTA program facilitates coordination and cooperation in drug control efforts among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce drug trafficking and use throughout the United States.

HIDTAs target specific drug threats in communities, including but not limited to marijuana cultivation, methamphetamine manufacturing and trafficking, cocaine and crack distribution, and the illegal and criminal promulgation of prescription drugs, according to the federal news release.

“The designation of new counties into the HIDTA program will help leverage the important work already being done at the State and local levels,” said Director Walters. “The law enforcement professionals working on the streets of our communities understand the unique drug threats faced by their regions, and they are best positioned to develop solutions that eliminate the harms caused by the illegal drug trade. The collaborative approach of the HIDTA program creates a system of shared intelligence and resources, and helps disrupt and dismantle criminal drug trafficking organizations operating in the United States and abroad.”

The HIDTA program facilitates coordination and cooperation in drug control efforts among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce drug trafficking and use throughout the United States.

The 26 new HIDTA counties are located in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

The newly designated HIDTA counties have demonstrated that: their location is a significant center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation, or distribution; state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies have committed resources to respond to the drug trafficking problem, thereby indicating a determination to respond aggressively to the problem; drug-related activities in the area are having a significant harmful impact in the area, and in other areas of the country; and a significant increase in allocation of federal resources is necessary to respond adequately to drug-related activities in the area.

As participants in the HIDTA program, the counties will be eligible to receive additional financial resources, as well as equipment and technology.

The HIDTA program designates regions which exhibit serious drug trafficking problems and harmfully impact other areas of the country.

The HIDTA program provides additional federal resources to those areas to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences.

Law enforcement organizations within HIDTAs assess drug trafficking problems and design specific initiatives and strategies to reduce or eliminate the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution and chronic use of illegal drugs and money laundering.

There are 28 regions throughout the country designated as HIDTAs. HIDTA counties compromise approximately 14 percent of U.S counties, and are present in 45 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

In Georgia, the other previously designated HIDTA counties are Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett.

No other counties in Georgia — including the metropolitan areas of Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah — are included in the federally designated areas.

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Submitted by sathyan on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 8:57pm.

If this area was identified to be a high intensity drug trafficking area then stringent and strict actions to be taken to control the HIDT.
----
sathyan

illinois drug rehab

Submitted by sarah25 on Mon, 11/24/2008 - 4:55am.

HIDTA mission is to enlist the power of law enforcement “teamwork” to fight drug trafficking in key areas of the United States. An overwhelming amount of the drugs that destroy the lives of so many Americans begins its journey to the United States by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the last several years, we have seen a
significant escalation in the amount of narcotics seized along the Southwest border of the United States. Despite the efforts of Federal, State and local law enforcement agents who diligently perform their duties in a dangerous environment, drug traffickers are sending greater quantities and larger loads of drugs into the U.S.
-------------
Sarah

florida drug rehab

Submitted by ragavendra on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 12:33pm.

HIDTA program will also help in keeping the country away from the harmful drug trafficking and also saves the youth from getting addicted .a good move by the federal.
---
ragavendra

kentucky drug rehab

sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 12:39pm.

Your daily dose of Scientology spam.


Submitted by andreea360 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 5:16am.

Are there any good alcohol rehabs around Georgia? Please let me know if so.

Submitted by gomez111 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:12pm.

I think there is no any good alcohol mostly all alcohol will brings the same effect.only we have to be limit this may makes some healthy.
for monthly once have a alcohol good for heart but limit.
************
Gomez
pennsylvania drug rehab

Submitted by jhnfredrick4 on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 10:10pm.

I live in King County, Washington and HIDTA has been very effective in lowering our drug related crimes. I highly recommend this government program especially with all the information sharing between the different departments. A good article with stats and performance of this agency can be located at http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/hidta/perfinfo.html

Another effective tool in fighting addiction is properly treating it. A good article on treatment can be found at Narconon Vista Bay

Submitted by stubrummen on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 12:34pm.

hardly a badge of honor, but hopefully this label will mean they get the funding they need to combat the problem.
___________________________________
effective drug rehab

Submitted by Riveraid on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 5:57pm.

The problem is that people in Fayette county want illegal drugs. Our county would not be on this list if not. Give them access to Illegal drugs in a legal form and they will not get them illegally. As long as people don't drive under the influence then who is to say what an illegal drug is.

I don't have the numbers but I would guess that alcohol (which as you all know is legal) causes many more problems with society than all your supposedly illegal drugs.

If we are going to discriminate on whats a drug then lets get rid of alcohol or any drug that is not prescribed to a people an make it fair.

All or nothing its crazy to determine whats illegal and not.

Submitted by sageadvice on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 3:42pm.

Alcohol is legal because it has been drunk by humans forever in excessive quantities.
It is, by far, more harmful to us than all of the drugs here combined.

The liquor store, grocery stores, and ordered alcohol in Fayette County is estimated to be about $60,000,000 worth every six months!
Now someone here is drinking all that.

There are some who do not abuse it, but not a high percentage.

The only advantage to legalizing current illegal drugs is that all the foreign imports would stop, and so would the dope peddlers.

Unfortunately, we would also take more drugs---maybe safer ones, I don't know.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 5:59pm.

Which drugs would you make legal?
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by sageadvice on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 3:43pm.

All of them.

Submitted by Riveraid on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 6:14pm.

I'm not sure.

I think some of the "subscription" drugs are far more dangerous than supposedly the illegal drugs, but I am not a Pharmacist so I can't give a good answer I guess.

If you would like email me and maybe we could discuss things farther.

Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 6:42pm.

I think some of the "subscription" drugs are far more dangerous than supposedly the illegal drugs, but I am not a Pharmacist so I can't give a good answer I guess.

When you have a little more information for a detailed discussion there is always someone that would discuss with you. It's a public forum.

-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Submitted by CI5835 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 1:04am.

informed judgment, you should probably refrain from trying b/c it makes you look very un-INTELligent. The fact is that this designation is not a "bad" word, but is actually something very good. 1) It will increase the cooperation and sharing of information that already exists b/t Fayette co. and the DEA, 2) It will allow Fayette co. to access greater resources and allow out agents to be more efficient and effective in carrying out their operations, and 3) it will provide money for necessary high-tech equipment (as if we don't have enough money right now in asset forfeiture funds). Somebody, somewhere, has been lobbying for this designation for Fayette co...it didn't just happen on its own, and I think you can figure out just who helped make this happen. Of greatest concern in Fayette is the trafficking of illicit drugs through the county; from north to south/east to west, and this is why we made "the list". I mean seriously, Fayette co hasn't busted a meth production lab in over 3 years (the one off Redwine). Of course there is a lot of low level drug activity, but that can be expected everywhere. Most drugs in Fayette co come from outside of the county; anything to the contrary is primarily an isolated event. This is the reason why Pruitt and the DTF guys/girl would never hesitate to lure dealers in from outside the Co. when they had the opportunity. With that said this is still a good thing and the result will be real, reducing the amount of drugs flowing into the county for consumption and transported through the county destined for surrounding counties and far off places in FL.

sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 5:07pm.

Geez,all this time Captain Mike Pruitt and his Fayette Drug Task Force have been galavanting around the metor Atlanta area begging evildoers to come sell their wares in Fayette so they could bust 'em...and here we had our own homegrown drug dealers all the time.

Who knew?

Well, at least the Drug Task force boys can save the county some money on gasoline by looking for evildoers locally now.

Now that Fayette is officially a "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" I guess this means our own Skyspy will be moving to a safer, whiter county.


Submitted by justcurious on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 7:09pm.

What's sad is that they want to put away everyone they catch or frame doing any amount of any drug to make them look all big and bad and buy helicopters and all. The District Attorney's office and the Judges of this county need to join the majority of the state and follow the states guidelines for drug courts. Yes - drug dealers and those who traffic - put them away. Scotty's office and the Courts need to realize that the rest of the state does have a "first offender" choice when sentencing and the state's prisons are overcrowded, that they recommend getting people with drug problems help - otherwise, they'll be right back where they were. It's sad when people who run down and kill people with their cars get probation and people who have a trace of drugs get sent off.

TruthSleuth1958's picture
Submitted by TruthSleuth1958 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 9:08am.

"Geez,all this time Captain Mike Pruitt and his Fayette Drug Task Force have been galavanting (sic) around the metor (sic) Atlanta area begging evildoers to come sell their wares in Fayette so they could bust 'em...and here we had our own homegrown drug dealers all the time.

First, learn to spell you idiot. Now read and reflect:

Captain Mike Pruitt is dying of cancer. I know you couldn't care less because he is a lifelong police officer who dedicated his life to his fellow man and you stand against any semblance of order and decency.

Regardless, to make an irresponsible and completely ignorant statement that belittles and tarnishes a good and decent man who has dedicated his entire adult life to fighting off the drug dealers and the criminal element that contributes to the downfall of many of our youth is beneath civility and a new all-time low for even the likes of you.

You, Sniffly1, couldn't carry Mike Pruitt's Kevlar. You, sniffly1, are a blight on humanity whereas Mike Pruitt dedicated his life, and put it on the line, so you could go to Lane Bryant for your weekend outfit without being accosted.

Mike Pruitt did something to make your life and our community better every day for the last 25 years while you sat back in a greasy tee shirt dropping jelly on your fat gut while pecking out criticism of each and every person with the decency and conviction to actually do something about keeping our country and our community safe. What have you done to make where we live a better place basmati? Aside from your plagiarism and criticism and personal attacks (including toward a dying man who is also one of the finest law enforcement officials in the state), what other criminal slime do you ooze from the shadows of your dimly lit dungeon of sleaze that causes you to hate laws, and law enforcement?

Your comments are not just wrong factually, they are morally reprehensible as well. Your day will come sniffly1 and when it does, call for a Muslim Radical to help you - don't call for a Police Officer or American Soldier.

As for your attacks on me, skyspy and any one else here that doesn't march lock step with your anarchist views : You are simply an anti-white, anti-military, anti-American, anti-Semite, anti-law enforcement scumbag and everyone here but you knows it.

Now go shove another jelly donut in your pie hole and shut the hell up.

Sniffles05 The Plagiarizer in Chief
Sniffles05:Jeffc calls for your explanation and apology.


Submitted by justcurious on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 7:20pm.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion - even you, but when it comes down to it - we're all dying - you or I could get hit by a car tomorrow - so enough with the pity party. Life goes on. I do find it ironic that the cop report has been pretty short - oh and one week it was missing. I've had to deal with friends and family members die and I had to still do my job. The department needs to do what they can on their time off for Mike and do the jobs they are paid to do while they're on the clock.

shadowalker's picture
Submitted by shadowalker on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 1:00pm.

yep its a free country, you are an idiot and life goes on and people
do die

you would not make that comment if it were your husband, wife, son
daughter
shadowalker


sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 1:14pm.

You do make me laugh, little man.

Classic "Internet Tough Guy".

Laughing out loud


shadowalker's picture
Submitted by shadowalker on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 1:01pm.

thank you, could not have told him off better

shadowalker


Submitted by depdawg on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 10:07am.

CPT Pruitt has served as a lifelong member of the Fayette County SO and in numerous capacities from the jail to patrol to the war on drugs. His medical condition is a tragedy, as I would wish that upon no one. He and his task force have done a number of great things while working with DEA on metro Atlanta details.

But a view from the inside will let you know, that very often the street level drugs in Fayette County have fallen to the side. This is at no fault of Mike or his task force. You tend to focus where the money is (high level traffickers). Why hit a trailer or house to get an ounce or two and some change when you can stop a tractor trailer with millions in it.

There will be a big shakeup soon to follow at the Sheriff's Office, new sheriff, staff changes, changes in policy, and changes on the directives the way they police/patrol. Lets just hope that we do begin to focus a little more on the street level punks that have ruined our county.

We all need to get past what ever our dislikes for each other are and move forward to save Fayette County. You are losing your county and some of its finest law enforcement officers becasue of a multitude of reasons. Let work close with HIDTA, let them work the big stuff, keep our DTF local and equip our street cops with the tools they need to fight the losing battle.

TruthSleuth1958's picture
Submitted by TruthSleuth1958 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:33am.

I also spent six years with the DTF in Fulton County and know that since you have people like basmati promoting drug use and preventing the teaching responsibility and the concept of accountability, you have to go after the supply.

The demand has to be controlled by the family and the community. Unfortunately, the local community is doing and increasingly poorer job in that regard.

Are you saying you don't think that Pruitt, Angel and the gang are doing a good job? Because the sleaze bag sniffly seems to interpret your words as somehow confirmation of his ignorant assessment.

People that are found to be coming here from other counties who are sellers get comfortable. Once they are discovered, they are usually busted - usually here since it is the ONLY place where we can bust them without the help of another jurisdiction or DTF. Often, they 'roll over' on other suppliers who, like them, are often from other counties.

It is then the duty and desire of our DTF to work with those other agencies to see the bust through to it's conclusion. It is also great experience. That's the busts Sniffly hears about.

What say you?

Sniffles05 The Plagiarizer in Chief
Sniffles05:Jeffc calls for your explanation and apology.


Submitted by depdawg on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:53am.

I never once implied that Mike and his team are not doing a great job. the work long, often boring hours for 5 minutes of excitement. They have done great things and brought millions to the S.O. for use on a myriad great up to date equipment.

My point is assign some officers/deputies to HIDTA and become a more grass roots DTF. There is plenty of drugs and the crimes that go along with it in Fayette. It is not centralized to the "north" as so many on here want to believe. The dope issue is demographic specific for the most part, you being a former agent know. Up north its rock and weed and down south its ice or prescriptions.

I also never inferred that we should continue to lure those dealers in to our couty to make a bust, did I? I believe all of the justce systems should be set up and run like the Fayette County justices system. I just think more emphasis should be placed on Fayette County dope dealers by our DTF.

SNIFFLES:
I am glad you thought my comments were eloquent and well written. I am in no way looking to jump on the wagon with you. I do wish resources we re allocated and focused on the residents paying the salaries, but believe that the overall leadership of the DTF has been pretty good. I will not take a shot on Mike, not because of his illness, but because I respect him as a man. I hope the DTF will continue to do a good job, and look forward to see if a leadership change can revitalize the program a bit.

sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 12:02pm.

Fair enough, DepDawg. I don't always agree with you, either. Nonetheless, I respect a man who takes the time to explain his position.


sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 10:28am.

Thank you, DepDawg, for articulating that position so well. You stated your case far more eloquently than I could have. I am in complete agreement with you, and I realize that this opinion might not sit well with others.

Like you, I am truly sorry that CPT Pruitt has terminal cancer. I wouldn't wish cancer on my worst enemy, despite my detractors on this site's claims.

I am of the opinion that the Fayette county drug task force lacks both focus and adequate supervision. My feeling is that these men and women are prima donnas who don't want to do the drudge work of policing drugs in Fayette county....they're "too good" for that. They want to be "super cops" and galavant (legit alternate spelling, folks, look it up) about the metro Atlanta area as if they were some sort of mini-DEA or mini-FBI. Sherriff Johnson's "hands off" policy only enables them further.

I wince every time I hear about a drug bust in Norcross or Duluth where the bad guys are taken down by the combined efforts of, say, the FBI, the DEA and the Fayette Drug Task force. What on earth are our hard-earned tax dollars doing policing other counties? If our guys identify a drug dealer in Norcross, why not hand the investigation off to the Gwinnett cops or the DEA?

Put another way, when was the last time your read or heard of a Dekalb cop or a Cherokee county cop making a bust in Fayetteville?

I am of the opinion that the Fayette Drug Task Force needs to be re-focused on the local community, period. Yeah, there won't be as many breathless headlines for them, sorry about that.

If a drug force task member wants to make drug busts metro-wide, let him or her put in an application with the DEA or the GBI.


Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 10:00am.

you sound like you're in a chipper mood today. Are you starting up the 'slug-fest' with Snif again? I thought you moved on to greener blogging pastures?


sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:55am.

If the Fayette drug task force ever decided to get serious about doing a little more local policing for drug abusers, I think this thread might give them a little insight into a potential local abuser of steroids and/or testosterone cream, no? Smiling


TruthSleuth1958's picture
Submitted by TruthSleuth1958 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:41am.

Tug13's picture
Submitted by Tug13 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 9:56am.

I don't read Bas' comments but I do read yours. I hope you changed your mind and decided to stay. You remind me of someone. Smiling

God bless Mike Pruitt, and I thank him for his hard work protecting and serving Fayette County! Smiling


TruthSleuth1958's picture
Submitted by TruthSleuth1958 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:39am.

Good for you for ignoring the sniffling coward of the keyboard.

God bless Mike and God bless you too.

Sniffles05 The Plagiarizer in Chief
Sniffles05:Jeffc calls for your explanation and apology.


Tug13's picture
Submitted by Tug13 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:51am.

Hey, don't go away! Yes, God bless Mike Pruitt and you too. Smiling

I lost my husband to cancer, and I know a little bit about what Mike Pruitt is dealing with.


sniffles5's picture
Submitted by sniffles5 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 10:36am.

"You remind me of someone."

I noticed that too, Tug!

If you look back through the archives of this site, you will notice a whopping three people on this site have ever used the word "homo" as a pejorative: Denise Conner (no surprise there!), RightOnTheMoney, and your buddy TruthSleuth.

Didja notice that scant minutes after TruthSleuth made his emotional farewell speech on Friday, RightOnTheMoney popped back in here after having been gone for months?

What a coincidence! Eye-wink


Tug13's picture
Submitted by Tug13 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:40am.

Since you directed this comment to me I'm responding. I don't know a thing about RightOnTheMoney. I was thinking of a very knowledgeable blogger, who moved away. I wish he would consider blogging here again.

May I make a suggestion? Okay, thanks. Have you ever thought about hanging out with Hack? Maybe some of his class and kindness will rub off on you. Smiling


TruthSleuth1958's picture
Submitted by TruthSleuth1958 on Mon, 02/25/2008 - 11:36am.

To tell you what a scumbag you are basmati.

Yea, I am Rightonthemoney and I support Hillary - when hell freezes over. You are quite the detective Bruce.

But mainly, I came back one last time to remind everyone what a liar and a plagiarizer you are. See below:

Sniffles05 The Plagiarizer in Chief
Sniffles05:Jeffc calls for your explanation and apology.


Submitted by skyspy on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 7:26pm.

When I can stay and fight?

Signed: American Jew, proud to be an American! I don't have to pull the race card to be successful. The true picture of success is when you can achieve something on your own merit.

Submitted by keshacoggins on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 9:56pm.

The application finds mention in the GI journal published by the chennai based office. As per the law of the land, the applicant’s name is not disclosed till the petition is finally disposed of. The details of the application relating to varieties in question and the geographical areas are also not disclosed.

---------------------------
kesha
arkansas drug rehab

Submitted by skyspy on Wed, 12/17/2008 - 12:09am.

No one cares about your attempt to get a free ad for your drug rehab.

Don't you have some good drugs to go play with??

Submitted by spandishgirl on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 8:57pm.

Before I moved to Fayette county, I have lots of friends that are Narcs. They are really good people. They told me the location was ..not...good...It was North Fayette county so I could get to the express quick. That was 2001! Druggies like to look innocent. They like for their kids to go to good schools. They like to hug their Bibles and pretend to be nice. They like to prey on your kids.

If you have a neighbor that ..RENTS... a half million dollar house...Watch out!..Why would they RENT? instead of buy...that is a lot of rent every month.! Reason? They don't want to get caught. Nothing in their name...no trail. But more important....if they catch them...they take their house, car, dog, cat, the works....If they keep the dope at home...guess what ...there goes the house...if you rent to these monsters...THEIR GOES YOUR HOUSE! If they are renting your house and drugs are discovered there...it doesn't make any difference...your house, landlord, is sold at auction!

Do your homework on who lives next to you. I know this is true....I work for the airlines, see the Narcs everyday at work, looking and watching, and they are not playing.

These people are monsters who will use you. You must understand, they do live here...you do know them, you just don't know what they are.

shadowalker's picture
Submitted by shadowalker on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 1:08pm.

You are stupid, if i as a landlord rent a house to you
and you are a drug dealer and i did not know that, and the police
catch you dealing or selling or giving away in the house that you
rent from me, YOU are going to jail i am going to clean my house and
rent to someone else.

what an idiot

shadowalker


Submitted by spandishgirl on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 9:05pm.

in the past, I have had people check in from Fayette county, the addresses would suprise you...then here come the NARCS, wanting to know where they are going, they already know, just wanted to see if you were helping them or the doaper.. The bogus titles the people have would knock you off your feet. Watch your neighbors and your children...these are not nice people and do not have any morals.

Main Stream's picture
Submitted by Main Stream on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 9:15pm.

I must be getting old or something, but I'm not following what it is that you are trying to say. Could you explain this a little better and be more coherent. I'm sure there are others that would like to hear your story too.

Thank you.


shadowalker's picture
Submitted by shadowalker on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 1:11pm.

if she works for the airlines i hope she does not fly the plane
or work on them
shadowalker


shadowalker's picture
Submitted by shadowalker on Tue, 02/26/2008 - 1:10pm.

if she works for the airlines i hope she does not fly the plane
or work on them
shadowalker


Submitted by skyspy on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 9:19pm.

She is saying they follow known drug dealers like the one caught last week trying to get by TSA agents with the drugs.

She says she works for the airlines. What she is saying about the renters makes sense. We do need to be careful.

Submitted by Spyglass on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 7:14pm.

Not sure of the comment about whiter, can't get much whiter than Forsyth.

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