Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
April 15, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Multiple honors have been bestowed upon Jackson County’s Drug Task Force.

For the third year in a row, the Jackson County Drug Task Force has been recognized as the Law Enforcement Unit of the Year by the Missouri Narcotic Officers Association. Dan Cummings, the officer in charge for the task force, was also recently awarded Officer of the Year by the same organization.

During 2013, the Drug Task Force operations led to the seizure of over 29 pounds of methamphetamine, 606 pounds of marijuana, nearly 300 pounds of synthetic narcotics and a large amount of crack and cocaine. The estimated street value of these seizures is estimated around $7.5 million. The task force also made 177 arrests in last year, along with presenting 205 cases for prosecution.

In a press release, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp said the task force is a great asset to the county. Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders added the awards are a great acknowledgement to the hard work the members of the task force present every day.

“To receive this award three years in a row is a remarkable achievement,” Sanders said. “It is a testament to the members of the task force and the hard work and long hours they put in to help rid our community of large amounts of dangerous and illegal drugs.”

The Jackson County Drug Task Force was formed in 1986 and is comprised of representatives from fourteen area law enforcement agencies including police departments throughout the county as well as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Task Force is funded by the quarter-cent Community Backed Anti-Drug Sales Tax (COMBAT). To read more about what the Jackson County Drug Task Force did in 2013, visit http://www.jacksongov.org/filestorage/9467/9475/9528/2013_annual_report.pdf.