Ivey awards grants to fight drugs, crime

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey today awarded $1.6 million to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the state’s seven regional task forces to aid in the fight against illegal drugs and drug-related crime in Alabama.

The money will be split equally between the eight organizations, and funds will be used in operations against drug sellers, manufacturers and users across the state.

“Public safety is at the forefront of our mission, and I am proud to aid our law enforcement in the battle against illegal drugs and crime,” Ivey said in a statement. “As I said last night during my state of the state address, we will continue working to make Alabama a great state to live, work and raise a family for years to come. No doubt, that includes keeping our communities safe and free of crime. I commend the important work being done by ALEA and these task forces.”

The task forces, headed by ALEA, were formed in 2018 and are made up of members from law enforcement agencies within their region.

In 2021, task force agents throughout the state made nearly 800 arrests and seized large amounts of illegal drugs, firearms and a significant amount of money used in drug-related crimes.

Funds will be used to cover overtime and operational and equipment expenses.