Logan and Simpson counties have both recently received an HIDTA designation for 2020, equipping the South-Central Kentucky Drug Task Force (SCKDTF) with resources to enhance intelligence-sharing capabilities between federal and state law enforcement partners and provide critical resources to conduct operations to thwart drug trafficking.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announced this year’s High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Designations, a designation that allows for additional federal resources to be deployed to counties across the U.S. that are on the front lines of fighting the war on illicit drugs.
The SCKDTF became operational in July 2004. At that time, the task force encompassed Logan, Simpson, and Butler Counties, along with the cities of Russellville and Franklin in a united front to stop the manufacturing, selling, and use of illegal drugs. Butler County has since opted out. Thanks to the task force, hundreds of arrests have been made in Logan and Simpson Counties and countless drugs have been taken off the street in these areas.
“I thank Congressman James Comer and his staff for all the work and support given to the South-Central Kentucky Drug Task Force,” said Jacky Hunt, Director of the SCKDTF. “The HIDTA Designation will help the citizens of Logan and Simpson Counties by providing much-needed federal resources to combat the drug crime that has hit South-Central Kentucky very hard in the last several years with many overdose deaths.”
Congressman Comer has worked to support the SCKDTF’s efforts to secure a HIDTA designation, including letters of support and speaking with Jim Carroll, Director of the ONDCP, about challenges facing the First District’s rural and underserved communities. Congressman Comer and his staff have visited the SCKDTF’s headquarters in Russellville to discuss operations, challenges, and successes in combatting drug trafficking in this region.
“I’m thrilled to see these two counties in my district receive additional funding for the vital work they’re doing to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Comer. “Examining ways to stop the flow of illicit drugs across the border and throughout our communities has been a priority of mine since I took office. Working with Jacky Hunt and the ONDCP to help see this through has been a great privilege. I thank the men and women who are risking their lives daily to keep our communities safe, and I look forward to the great work the SCKDTF will continue to do with these additional resources.”
The task force is governed by a board of directors including both judge-executives for Logan and Simpson Counties, the mayors for Franklin and Russellville, the sheriffs for both counties, and the Franklin and Russellville city police chiefs. The task force was first headquartered in the old LifeSkills building across the street from the Logan County Sheriff’s Department in Russellville. It is now located off the Bypass. The force is made up of officers rotating from the respective agencies with a director at the helm. Jim Devasher served as the first director. Other directors include Jerry Smith and Jere Hopson and currently Jacky Hunt.