The Fremont County Commissioners have heard first hand about the successes of the Fremont County Combined Drug Task Force. The Task Force is a cooperative effort between the Fremont County Sheriff's Department and the Canon City Police Department. Deputy Mike Joliffe and Police Detective Andrew Lopez make up the core of the Drug Task Force. Sheriff Jim Beicker said it became clear to him in his 2002 campaign for Sheriff that there was a growing problem with methamphetamine and that it was starting to threaten younger age groups.
Joliffe says they have seen a huge decline in the number of local meth labs over the past year but to fill the void they have seen many pounds of the drug being brought in from places like Arizona.
The Drug Task Force was created through a Federal Justice Department grant. The Task Force work is currently funded through July 1st with a $98,000 Federal Grant. Future funding is contingent on showing measured results of their work.
Sheriff Beicker says without a doubt the two officers and their targeted efforts against illicit drugs are producing results.
