Reps. Joyce and Reschenthaler Applaud White House Action to Combat Drug Trafficking in Westmoreland County
Somerset, PA Today Congressmen John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) released the following statement on the Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) designation of Westmoreland County in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program, which will provide new opportunities and resources to combat drug trafficking and abuse in western Pennsylvania.
"Drug abuse and addiction have claimed too many lives in western Pennsylvania, tearing apart families and spurring economic, health, and safety challenges that touch every aspect of our community," said Dr. Joyce. "Ending this dangerous cycle requires a comprehensive approach, and I am encouraged that inclusion in the HIDTA program will provide additional opportunities to stop illicit drug trafficking in Westmoreland County. From the beginning, President Trump has pledged to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and he continues to deliver on his promises to Pennsylvanians and Americans across the country. I thank President Trump and ONDCP Director Jim Carroll for their tireless dedication and commitment to combating drug abuse and addiction in western Pennsylvania."
"Too many families in southwestern Pennsylvania have been tragically affected by the opioid epidemic," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines battling this epidemic every day, working to keep our communities safe. I was proud to support Westmoreland's HIDTA designation request, and am grateful to Congressman John Joyce, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, and Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck, as well as the Trump Administration, for ensuring our region has the resources necessary to combat this crisis and save lives."
Since its creation in 1988, the HIDTA program has coordinated and assisted federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address regional drug threats with the purpose of reducing drug trafficking and drug production in the U.S.
"These additional HIDTA county designations will create a focus on new areas previously affected by drug trafficking. Through the HIDTA program, law enforcement officials enhance collaboration and engage in a coordinated drug enforcement effort that exploits drug-related crimes. As President Trump and First Lady Trump have made clear, we cannot stand for the flow of deadly drugs coming into our communities, which often leads to substance use disorder and violence. It's imperative that we continue to support and enable communities to be safe and healthy," said ONDCP Director Jim Carroll.
Background:
Last year, Congressman Joyce held a series of roundtables on the drug crisis with ONDCP Director Jim Carroll in the 13th District of Pennsylvania. In Congress, Dr. Joyce is committed to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Pennsylvania, as well as addressing the underlying causes of this crisis including the deadly drug trafficking that are smuggled into the U.S. from China and across the southern border.
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