Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Awards $717,900 to Fund Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Groups

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today the awarding of $717,900 in state Penalty Surcharge funds to programs throughout the state that investigate drug crimes. The Penalty Surcharge grants are supplemented by an additional $1,037,500 in federal Byrne Memorial/Justice Assistance Grants through the Office of Justice Assistance. This year's grant program will help fund 18 Multi-jurisdictional Enforcement Groups (MEG units).

“I am pleased to help fund these MEG units which combine the resources of multiple law enforcement jurisdictions to develop multifaceted drug investigations,” Attorney General Van Hollen said. “These groups have a proven track record of investigating complex drug trafficking rings and assisting with their successful prosecution.”

The awards are meant to defray the costs of operations in Calendar Year 2012. Historically, the statewide MEG units were funded largely through federal Byrne/JAG grant funding. As those funds have seen reductions over time, the state developed the process of supplementing federal funding with state funding. No state taxpayer monies are used.

A listing of all programs receiving awards is available at the following link: