Chester and Delaware Counties expand drug war

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, February, 2008 | by Kathleen Brady Shea and Mari A. Schaefer Inquirer Staff Writers

The White House designated Chester and Delaware Counties as "high-intensity" drug-trafficking corridors yesterday. The dubious distinction, announced at a news conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, delighted representatives of regional law enforcement because it comes with $200,000 in federal funding.

"Today is a good day for Chester and Delaware Counties," said Scott M. Burns, White House deputy drug czar. "Today is a bad day for drug-trafficking organizations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey." The money will pay for computers, software and overtime for local and state officers. U.S. Marshal Gary E. Shovlin, who heads the Philadelphia-Camden operation of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Meehan pointed out that both...