The money will be used to address the heroin and opioid crisis in Maryland.
Annapolis, Md (KM) Frederick County is receiving more than $300,000 from the state to help address the heroin and opioid crisis. The Governor’s Office says that’s $274,462 for the county’s participation in the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network, and $41,739 for the local heroin coordinator.
Governor Larry Hogan’s Office says this money is part of $6-million in grants going out to the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network and heroin coordinators in several Maryland’s counties. “The work or our heroin coordinators and the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network are part of our comprehensive strategy to collaborate across jurisdictions to dismantle criminal organizations, remain ahead of potential threats, refer individuals struggling with addiction to treatment and the keep our state and citizens safe,” says Governor Hogan, in a statement. “This funding will support a statewide effort to address the heroin and opioid public health crisis in an integrated investigative manner, and to stop criminal organizations from bringing illegal guns and drugs into our communities.”
The Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network was created in 2017 to target gangs, drugs, firearms and human trafficking. There are Criminal Intelligence Network Coalitions around the state, .including in Frederick, Carroll, Washington and Montgomery Counties
The Governor’s Office says more than $12.5-million has been awarded through the MCIN program. These operations have resulted in 1,176 criminal organizations disrupted or dismantled; 509 kilograms of illegal drugs seized, along with 975 firearms; 127 human trafficking victims rescued; and over $17.5-million in seized drugs and other assets.
More than $4-million has been awarded to the Heroin Coordinator Program. The Governor’s Office says these funds have helped identify 81 drug trafficking organizations, and referred more than 10,000 people for treatment.
By Kevin McManus