Henderson receives funds to fight drugs

Suzanne Struglinski

Thursday, July 24, 2003 | 11:31 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Two Las Vegas Valley cities are anticipating more federal money that can be used to combat drug crimes.

Henderson Police may receive more than half a million federal dollars to fight the production and distribution of methamphetamine, thanks to a provision tucked into a House spending bill passed Wednesday night.

The bill would provide $60 million in overall funding, a $40 million increase, to help local law enforcement target methamphetamine labs and other drug hot spots nationwide. The bill specifically recommended fully funding Henderson's request for $520,000, Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., said in a press release.

The police department can use the funding for new equipment and other technology to detect and break up "meth" labs.

"Methamphetamine is a devastating drug and one we want to make sure does not find a home in Henderson," Mayor James Gibson said in a statement.

In addition to producing a potentially fatal drug, methamphetamine labs also use dangerous chemicals and have been known to explode.

While the money earmarked for Henderson has a more specific use, North Las Vegas is one of more than 100 communities that will share $115 million through the Edward Byrne grants that have broader applications. The program aims to improve handling of drug, violent and serious offenders.

According to Rep. Shelley Berkley's office, the money will provide new resources, including the hiring of new officers.

The amount that North Las Vegas will receive is not yet known, officials said.