MONTGOMERY—Specialized law enforcement units in Morgan and Colbert counties have received economic stimulus grants from Gov. Bob Riley to help fight the spread of illegal drugs. 

Riley awarded a $331,438 grant for the Morgan County Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force and a $265,000 grant for the Colbert County Drug Task Force. Both units investigate and arrest the traffickers, dealers and users of illegal drugs.

“I’m pleased to provide this support for the dedicated law enforcement officers working to reduce the terrible impact of illegal drugs,” Riley said. 

The Morgan County task force is a joint effort of the county Sheriff’s Department, the district attorney’s office and the city of Hartselle.

The Colbert County task force comprises representatives from the police departments of Cherokee, Leighton, Littleville, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia. The county Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office also are part of the task force.

The units work with local, state and federal agencies to investigate drug offenders and bring them to justice. The investigations focus on illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and also on prescription-drug abuse.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Riley informed chairmen John Glasscock of the Morgan County Commission and Emmitt Jimmar of the Colbert County Commission that the grants had been approved.     

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Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers