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Collier County Sheriff’s Office to receive funds, resources to combat drug trafficking

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Collier County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles & Collier County mobile command center.

NAPLES, Fla. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was selected to receive federal funding to combat drug trafficking.

The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy designated the county as part of South Florida’s High Intensity Drug trafficking area.

The sheriff’s office applied for the designation which allows access to federal resources and funds that can be used in drug operations, the sheriff’s office explained on their website.

MORE: Naples man arrested after traffic stop leads to drug bust

“It could go for equipment, overtime, purchasing narcotics…dangerous drugs,” Storrar said. “I can call on other agencies to pick up some of the manpower and the federal government picks up the tab for that.”

Deputies seized 100 pounds of cocaine worth $6 million on the street last year during a major drug bust near Collier Boulevard, the sheriff’s office said. In another drug bust, deputies arrested 12 suspects in Lee and Collier counties.

MORE: Immokalee cocaine trafficking operation leads to 13 arrests

“These type of investigations are very complex. They’re long term,” Captain Tom Storrar said.

Without the additional funds and support, the county could see more drug traffickers in this area, Storrar said.

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