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Westmoreland Co. leaders discuss curbing drugs after area named high intensity trafficking region

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Westmoreland County was just named a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which leaders say is a mixed blessing. Law enforcement, legislators and school leaders joined together Friday to talk about the drug issue in their communities.

“What we’re finding is there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach with this issue,” said Director of White House Drug Control Policy, Jim Carroll.

Carroll brought a stamp of approval from the White House to address the drug addiction problem. The new designation will bring in federal resources to help treat the drug problem.

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“I thought today was a good day for our county and to know how our federal government helps us out,” said Chief John Berger with the Ligonier Valley Police Department.

Locally, police said heroin is still a major issue on the streets and crystal meth use has been exploding in the area recently.

Representative John Joyce helped pull the meeting together.

“We will look forward to protecting our children and neighbors and working together with a multipronged approach, in fighting the addiction problems of western Pennsylvania,” Joyce said.