News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason Clark
(573) 522-0980
DDCC03062008
March 6, 2008

EMPHASIS: Operation Byrne Blitz 2008


Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced on March 5, 2008, Missouri law enforcement officers throughout the state participated in a one-day, national drug enforcement operation known as Operation Byrne Blitz. The success of this operation was immense and should help emphasize the significance of Byrne grant funding to Missouri law enforcement and the fight against drugs. The continuation of this dedicated funding is in question as a result of recent federal budget proposals.

Missouri is one of 38 states that participated in the operation. The large number of arrests and seizures that occurred during this event is representative of what this state’s law enforcement officers can accomplish when resources are pulled together to take illegal drugs off the streets. The National Narcotics Officers Association and the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies (NASDEA) coordinated this endeavor.

Operation Byrne Blitz is a national effort to show how effective concentrated drug enforcement can be. The Edward Byrne grant program is named for a New York City police officer that was killed at a young age by organized drug traffickers who were trying to prevent a witness from being able to testify in a drug case. This collective effort was conducted to highlight both the effectiveness of the Byrne grant funding, and the impact that cuts to this funding could have on local and statewide drug enforcement efforts.

The 2008 Missouri statewide totals for Operation Byrne Blitz are:
a. Arrests 247
b. Search Warrants 33
c. Weapons Seized 24
d. Meth Labs 16
e. Endangered Children 27
f. Seized currency $8,098
g. Drugs
1. Marijuana 16.6 lbs.
2. Cocaine 2,014 grams
3. Crack Cocaine 152 grams
4. 691 miscellaneous pills

This organized effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement should emphasize the dedication and determination police have in fighting the illegal drug problem.

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