Federal Help Coming To Fight Drug Abuse In Bristol County

The Federal Government has designated Bristol County as a high intensity drug trafficking area. The designation was announced Thursday by the Director of the National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli.

With that designation, the region has now become eligible to receive additional federal funding for law enforcement and drug prevention programs.

Fall River Police Chief Daniel Racine tells WBSM News, he's already been in touch with federal officials and is anxious to get started. "I've had some meetings with them already and they know what our significant drug issues are," said Racine. He added, "now that we have that designation, we can sit down with those folks and iron out a plan to address this very, very significant issue."

Racine says he was elated by the designation, and he praised the Congressional delegation for lobbying the government for help.

Senator Elizabeth Warren says the designation is an important way for the Federal Government to support community agencies and law enforcement as they work to prevent drug abuse in Bristol County.

Rep. Joseph Kennedy said the increased support from the Federal Government will be critical in the region's efforts to combat drug addiction.