Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 24, 1990 TAG: 9004240208
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
City Council voted Monday to approve a recommendation by City Manager Robert Herbert that the city join in the revamped regional effort to curb the distribution of illegal drugs.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration is reorganizing a regional drug enforcement task force on a permanent basis, Herbert said.
City police have participated in the regional drug enforcement program since it was established several years ago. But council's approval was not needed for that because city officers worked only on specific cases ranging from 90 days to one year, the city manager said.
Council's approval was needed for the setup because it will involve a formal agreement between the DEA and the city, he said.
Under the agreement, one experienced city police officer would be assigned to the drug enforcement task force for at least one year under the reorganized regional approach.
The city would pay the officer's salary, but the officer would serve as a special agent for the DEA and would be supervised by the federal agency.
The DEA will provide the operating costs for the regional task force, including the equipment and supplies for investigations and undercover operations.
Herbert said the city will share in the assets or property seized as a result of the investigations.
On another matter, council voted to schedule a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. May 14 on the city's proposed community development budget for the next fiscal year, which includes funds for drug abuse prevention programs.
The city has earmarked $40,000 to provide a staff for a proposed drug and alcohol abuse council that will coordinate the city's effort to prevent and treat drug abuse.
by CNB