McConnell Announces Daviess County Accepted into Federal Anti-Drug Program

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Daviess County was chosen for inclusion into the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Operating under the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the HIDTA program provides federal support to law enforcement agencies in designated counties with coordination, equipment, technology and additional resources to combat drug production and trafficking. Daviess County is one of only six counties nationwide to receive a new HIDTA designation this year.

"Kentucky law enforcement have proven time and again the value of the HIDTA program in keeping our families safe from illicit substances. In recognition of the pressing dangers facing Daviess County, I worked closely with strong leaders, including Mayor Tom Watson and Sheriff Keith Cain, to deliver this important federal recognition and critical assistance," said Senator McConnell. "With the resources and coordination to track down and stop the worst drug traffickers and abusers, Daviess County can help reduce violence across the region, protect law enforcement officers in their critical work and continue to make this a safe community for everyone who calls it home."

"Our entire community is so ecstatic about the fantastic announcement of our designation as a HIDTA county," said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. "The combined efforts from the city, county, FBI, DEA and all others showed our need and how important it is to receive this federal support. Special thanks to Senator McConnell and his talented staff for their energy to make this happen. We are so grateful to be one of only six new designations in the country."

"Today's announcement is a long-sought recognition of the challenges facing our community from illegal drugs. Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step to tackling it," said Daviess County Sheriff Keith Cain. "By investing critical resources and promoting law enforcement collaboration, we can help save lives from this dangerous scourge. This HIDTA designation is the result of years of substantial efforts by many dedicated individuals. Senator McConnell was a constant champion for our cause, and I'd like to thank him, former U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman and all the others who helped us reach this important goal."

In March, Senator McConnell contacted the Acting ONDCP Director, commonly known as the Drug Czar, to support Daviess County's application. As a result of Senator McConnell's consistent advocacy, nearly half of all Kentuckians currently live in a HIDTA county.

Senator McConnell has hosted multiple Drug Czars from both Republican and Democratic administrations to hear from Kentuckians about their experiences and innovative work combating the epidemic of substance abuse.

With a long history of working with local, state and federal partners, Senator McConnell has delivered almost $300 million of federal funding to support Kentucky's prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts.

Senator McConnell has also fought for the expansion of the Appalachia HIDTA to hard-hit counties across the state, including Jefferson County in 2009, Hardin County in 2012, Nelson and Madison Counties in 2014, Montgomery and Powell Counties in 2018, Boyd County in 2019, and Clark, Logan and Simpson Counties in 2020. He also helped secure the inclusion of Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in the Ohio HIDTA in 2016.

To boost federal law enforcement's presence in Western Kentucky, Senator McConnell also announced both the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agreed to his request to open offices in Paducah. The agencies signed a 15-year lease for the Paducah office last November, which will also house the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

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