FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 01, 2011


Missouri awards more than $290,000 to Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force

Grant is part of effort that will help ensure continued strength of Missouri's important multi-jurisdictional drug task forces

The Missouri Department of Public Safety announced today that the Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force (NEMO) has been awarded more than $290,000 to combat illegal drugs and drug-related crimes, and to strengthen law enforcement efforts. The grant is one of 27 that will help ensure the continued strength of Missouri's multi-jurisdictional drug task forces during tight budget times.
"These grants are designed to make Missouri communities safer and stronger by bolstering the state's   highly effective multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in the battle against drugs and drug-related crime," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. "The grants should make a real difference by allowing these law enforcement agencies to continue to devote significant resources to the fight against illegal drugs.”
The Northeast Missouri Narcotics Task Force in Monroe City will receive $293,394 to assist in the fight against drug-related crimes. Counties participating in the NEMO Task Force are: Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Ralls and Shelby.
Including this initiative, a total of $7,135,243 in federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) is being awarded to 27 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces operated by counties and municipalities; one program that responds to clandestine methamphetamine labs and provides important supplies to emergency response personnel; two prosecutorial efforts to combat drugs; one program focused on preventing drug use through education and early intervention; one prosecutorial program to investigate sexual and domestic abuse;  two law enforcement agencies for records management system purchases; three law enforcement agencies for equipment purchases; and one program that assists the Department of Public Safety develop crime fighting strategy.
The grants will utilize $1,340,236 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

-END-

For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov