National Guard partnership in drug fight called valuable

Judy Odierna

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 | 9:44 a.m.

The Nevada National Guard is ready to be called upon to defend the United States overseas and at home at a moment's notice. But sometimes all that is required is a little assist.

That's what the National Guard Counterdrug Unit has been doing in the state since 1991 -- aiding the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police agencies in their war against drugs.

Unit members also visit middle schools to talk to students about the dangers of gateway drugs such as tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.

"We receive requests from local law enforcement who ask for a particular level of support," Maj. Kim LaBrie, the unit's coordinator, said. "The need can be to provide trucks or a helicopter, and I respond back and say I can or cannot support your request."

LaBrie said the program was initiated as more drug dealers started to set up operations, such as methamphetamine labs, in the Nevada desert, far away from heavily policed border states of New Mexico, Texas, Arizona and California.

The National Guard only assists with operational needs, such as providing aircraft for surveillance. Guard members do not get involved in the actual apprehension of criminals because of federal laws that prohibit them from arresting U.S. citizens.

The program initially served only Northern Nevada but was permanently expanded to the southern part of the state three years ago after receiving an additional $2 million in federal funding. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Las Vegas, has helped the program secure $1 million each fiscal year since. The Nevada program is operated on a total budget of $2.5 million.

"If we didn't have that money, this wouldn't be here," said LaBrie, who said the money allows a majority of the unit to do the job full time.

Reid toured the Las Vegas facilities of the counterdrug unit on Tuesday and called the program a success.

"One of the big battles on a daily basis are the drug crimes taking place in this country," Reid said. "What is good about what is happening here is cooperation between government."

The National Guard's help has been valuable, DEA Special Agent Timothy Landrum said, though he could not detail particular cases that the Guard helped break.

"When we partner up it is much more effective," Landrum said. "We don't have the resources alone. What they provide is significant."