Grants boost area's law enforcement

JEFFERSON CITY -- Two task forces combating illegal drugs and drug-related crimes in Southeast Missouri received funds to strengthen law enforcement efforts.

Missouri Department of Public Safety awarded $275,733 to the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force based in Poplar Bluff. The Bootheel Drug Task Force based in Pemiscot County will receive $219,494.

"These grants are designed to make Missouri communities safer and stronger by bolstering the state's highly effective multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in the battle against drugs and drug-related crime," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt in a news release.

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