N.M. Delegation Welcomes Over $9.5 million for Law Enforcement to Help Address the Overdose Epidemic in New Mexico, Crack Down on Illicit Drug Trafficking

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $9,502,108 from the White House’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program to provide New Mexico’s law enforcement agencies new tools to keep communities safe from illicit fentanyl and reduce violent crime associated with drug trafficking. 

The HIDTA Program supports federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. HIDTAs assess the drug threats in their communities and develop strategies to advance public health and public safety. 

“Too many New Mexicans know the heartache of losing a loved one to the opioid epidemic — it’s why I’m fighting hard to ensure New Mexico’s law enforcement has the tools they need to keep our communities safe from fentanyl and other deadly drugs,” said Heinrich. “This $9.5 million will help our state crack down on drug trafficking and save lives.”    

“I am proud to announce over $9.5 million in investment for New Mexico to combat the overdose epidemic and intensify efforts against drug trafficking,” said Luján. “This crucial funding underscores the importance of fighting drug trafficking and its devastating impact on our communities. With these resources, New Mexico is better equipped to implement comprehensive strategies that will save lives.” 

“As overdoses and substance use cases continue to grow across our country, we cannot turn a blind eye. This over $9.5 million from the Biden Administration for New Mexico’s work with the HIDTA Program will support our local law enforcement as they fight the scourge of illicit drugs and prevent more overdoses in our state,” said Leger Fernández. “I helped secure this funding because I lost two of my brothers to addiction and I want to make sure no other family ever feels the same pain that my family and I experienced.” 

“This $9.5 million in funding support from the Biden Administration is a big part of our state’s fight against the influx of deadly, illicit drugs that is happening currently,” said Stansbury. “These multi-state operations from cartels and criminal organizations must end. The resources and funds sent to these High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas – HIDTAs – are one way to stop these illegal operations from the start and save lives. The Biden Administration is strengthening New Mexico’s fight against drug trafficking.” 

“HIDTA is crucial for supporting our local law enforcement and keeping our communities safe. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that we’ve secured over $9.5 million for New Mexico for the HIDTA Program. This funding will help build safer neighborhoods and a stronger, more coordinated response to combat drug trafficking,” said Vasquez, co-lead of the bipartisan HIDTA Reauthorization Act. “As a border representative, I’ve seen how effective the HIDTA program is for cracking down on smuggling. I’m proud to champion the reauthorization of HIDTA and ensure that our communities receive the federal support they need to stay safe.”  

For more information on this grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, click here.