Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Narcotics Trafficking, Georgia 2024

GBI Nets $2.5 Million to Tackle Opioid Epidemic

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been awarded a nearly $2.5 million grant to combat narcotics trafficking in the state, the Justice Department announced recently. The funding, provided by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), will support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

According to officials, the grant is a welcome boost for the GBI's efforts to combat the scourge of drug trafficking in Georgia. 'The GBI is a steadfast law enforcement partner in combating the scourge of drug trafficking in the Southern District,' said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. 'This funding is a welcome boost for our work to seek and destroy the poison piped into our communities.'

The COPS Office is awarding more than $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and prescription opioids. The GBI will receive $2,474,918 in funding to support its investigations.

GBI Director Vic Reynolds expressed gratitude for the grant funds, stating, 'The GBI is honored to receive these grant funds from the Justice Department to enhance our current drug strategy to combat illegal and harmful opioids. Having this additional support from our federal partners will help us in our effort to keep Georgia communities healthy and safe.'

The opioid epidemic continues to take a devastating toll on communities across the nation, with more than 130 people dying every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids. Methamphetamine also remains a major concern, as it is one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and contributes to violent crime.

The COPS Office's Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF) and the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) are providing funding to state law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use.

The GBI's efforts to combat narcotics trafficking will be supported by the grant funding, which will help the agency to enhance its current drug strategy and keep Georgia communities safe.

Defendant: Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Charges: Narcotics Trafficking

City and State: Savannah, Georgia

Date: Not specified (2024)

Outcome: Received $2,474,918 grant

Dollar Amount: $2,474,918

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr/georgia-bureau-investigation-awarded-nearly-25-million-grant-fight-narcotics