4 November 2004

Task force to fight meth and illegal drugs formed

Over the last two years, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has heard from various law enforcement officials about the need for our State and local communities to be more aggressive in addressing the methamphetamine/illegal drug problem in Kansas. To address this issue, Governor Sebelius asked the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to form a task group to analyze and study the meth/illegal drugs issues facing Kansas’ communities. The Council unanimously approved the Governor’s request this week.

“Kansas law enforcement should be commended for their efforts, fighting methamphetamine production in the state,” Governor Sebelius said. “However, too often, we hear that our officers and prosecutors are facing real challenges with this problem. This task force will examine how the State can best work with local communities, providing them with the aid they need to fully address the issues of meth and other illegal drugs.”

Led by Col. William Seck, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Larry Welch, Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, this task force will focus on the issues facing local communities and how the State can be of assistance.

The task force will look at how the state can assist local communities in addressing meth and other illegal drugs; what the needs are and the best plan of action to address meth and other illegal drugs; how the state can assist in enhancing communication, coordination and resources regarding meth, awareness, enforcement and prosecution; what is being done now at the local and state level to protect our borders regarding drug trafficking; and what policy and/or legislative issues need to be addressed.