Commissioners Approve Drug Enforcement Grant for Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team

Douglas County commissioners have approved the acceptance of a renewed state grant to support the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team, known as DINT. The funding is provided through the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program and was awarded by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

The grant totals $1,945,652 and represents the next funding cycle of an existing award. The funding will support illegal marijuana enforcement efforts in Douglas County through August 31, 2027.

According to county officials, the funding is intended to strengthen DINT’s capacity to investigate and address illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution operations. Grant funds may be used for personnel costs, investigations, equipment, training, prosecution related expenses, and coordinated enforcement efforts with local, state, and federal partners.

The Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program was established in 2018 following the passage of Senate Bill 1544 by the Oregon Legislature. The program provides resources to local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices to help address unlawful marijuana activity across Oregon. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission notes that the program also assists communities with costs related to investigation, prosecution, and services for victims and survivors of labor trafficking and worker abuse connected to illegal grow operations.

Lieutenant Rick McArthur, who commands DINT, said the renewed funding will allow the team to maintain proactive enforcement and operational readiness while continuing to work with partner agencies within Douglas County. He also acknowledged Commissioner Freeman’s role in supporting the grant process at the state level.

Commissioner Freeman stated that the grant reflects the Board of Commissioners’ continued support for DINT’s work and its approach to drug enforcement in Douglas County. He also noted that DINT has one of the highest drug plant seizure rates in Oregon.

DINT was formed in October 1989 as part of a coordinated response to substance abuse issues in Douglas County. The unit is supported by partnerships that include the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Bureau of Land Management, and the Roseburg Police Department. DINT’s responsibilities include investigating state and federal controlled substance violations, as well as providing training to local police and fire agencies, the public, and private sector organizations.

For more information about the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program, visit the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission website at: https://www.oregon.gov/cjc/imme/pages/default.aspx.