Stearns County Listed By Federal Government As “High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area”

(KNSI) – The Office of National Drug Control Policy has designated Stearns County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

The move allows extra resources to be dedicated to halting the flow of illegal narcotics through the region. Some perks include access to federal intelligence analysts, funding for the area’s drug task force, and the ability to collectively investigate dealers.

Sheriff Steve Soyka laments, “Unfortunately, Stearns County’s location in Central Minnesota allows us to be a hub or distribution point for the trafficking of controlled substances. We have seen an increase in methamphetamine over the years, along with a recent explosion of Fentanyl pills in our area. With that comes the trafficking throughout Minnesota but also the tragedy of overdoses. Sometimes fatally.”

Last year, Stearns County had 131 non-fatal overdoses and 23 lethal ones. Of those who were killed, two were children. A 14-year-old and a 14-month-old infant both died from exposure to fentanyl.

Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer had been actively lobbying the federal government to include Stearns County in the HIDTA program. He describes the need as “clear and immediate.” He is optimistic about how the move will help the area. “Stearns County will be better equipped to save lives, reduce risks, and remove barriers to effective intervention. We are proud to have played a role in securing this designation and look forward to our continued collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the resources they need to fight the drug epidemic impacting so many Minnesota communities.”

___