Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has aligned with a bipartisan group to introduce the HIDTA Enhancement Act, a legislative proposal designed to address the drug trafficking crisis, specifically targeting fentanyl in West Virginia. The bill seeks to extend and expand the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, which facilitates collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.

"Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse," said Senator Capito. "The brave law enforcement officers of HIDTA are working every day to stop illicit fentanyl and other illegal drugs in their tracks. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will continue to support the HIDTA program’s mission, provide additional resources to stop the trafficking of fentanyl, and save lives across the country."

The act proposes several key changes: reauthorizing the HIDTA program at $333 million annually through 2030; increasing competitive grant funding to $14,224,000; expanding funds for enhanced fentanyl seizure activities; directing collaboration between the Attorney General and HIDTA Executive Boards; and mandating annual reports on fund usage from ONDCP.

Jeff Beeson, Executive Director of Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, emphasized the necessity of broad strategies for combating drug trafficking: "Senator Capito’s leadership...is critical and prioritizes the welfare of communities throughout West Virginia and the nation."

Vic Brown from Appalachia HIDTA noted, "Fentanyl and other deadly drugs have taken so many young lives...this bill reauthorizing the HIDTA program is vital as it facilitates collaboration among Federal, State, Local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies."

Eric Brown of NNOAC commended multiple senators for supporting resource increases: "The surge in drug poisoning deaths...shows that more needs to be done. The HIDTA Enhancement Act will go a long way in assisting law enforcement with its efforts..."

Marshall Fisher from DEAFNA highlighted the urgent need for unified action: "300 Americans are dying daily from a drug overdose...HIDTA’s commingled federal, state, local and tribal task forces are uniquely situated..."

Megan Noland of MCSA praised ongoing efforts against fentanyl: "The devastating impact of fentanyl on our communities requires us to adopt new and effective strategies..."

The HIDTA program aims at reducing drug misuse through cooperative law enforcement across 33 regional areas in all U.S. states. In 2022 alone, these regions seized approximately $22 billion worth of illicit substances.

In West Virginia alone, 24 counties have been designated as part of this initiative. As former chair of a key appropriations subcommittee, Senator Capito was instrumental in securing significant funding for this program.