Drug Enforcement Task Force Part Of Broader Effort

District Attorney Andy Watson has been working with a core group of local law enforcement officers and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office in the operation of the Potter County Drug Enforcement Task Force. State funds are covering the basic expenses. The task force’s work complements ongoing drug investigations. Officials are especially concerned about the drug abuse problem among the county’s youth and young adults. Studies show that there is a growing epidemic of prescription drug trafficking, as well as abuse of other controlled substances.

Law enforcement is just one aspect of the county’s response to the drug problem. Potter County Human Services (PCHS) has been working with local school districts in support of programs geared toward early intervention to help students who show signs of drug abuse. Additionally, PCHS is working with other county agencies and Dickinson Center on programs to help prepare Potter County Jail inmates who have been diagnosed with addiction and mental health issues to prepare for re-entry into society. Specialists are concerned about limitations in treatment options for those with documented addiction issues.