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War on Drugs gets a Boost
Island police accepted a $112, 718 federal grant June 5 to target drug trafficking organizations, especially distributors of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice."
The so-called "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas" grant is from the Office of National Drug Control Police. The grant will enable police to share investigative information about drug trafficking and coordinate operational activities with other county, state and federal agencies across the state. Mayor Billy Kenoi accepted the grant on behalf of the county.
Lt. Richard Sherlock of the Hilo Vice Section said 90 percent of the targets involve crystal meth. The remaining targets involve heroin, cocaine or large-scale marijuana operations.
Chief Harry Kubojiri said the grant money is timely because of the ailing economy.
"Despite the economic downturn, we can continue to target drug distribution rings on our island," he said. "We will be relentless in our commitment to making our communities safe."
NO DRUGS IN MY MUG!
Pahoa High & Intermediate School Home Economics coordinators have received a $2,000 grant for their "No Drugs in My Mug!" program from the Healing Our Island Community Grant Fund.
The Hawaii County Resource Center, a program of the Department of Research and Development administers this state grant project to help students remain drug-free.
Teacher Suzanne Nozaki said home economics students can creatively help to educate other students about how to live their lives drug-free.
"Through this grant, elementary and high school students receive special mugs filled with nutritious home-made smoothies," said Nozaki. "Students are encouraged to always make good choices by choosing to drink alcohol-free beverages from their mugs."
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