Rep. John Conyers Joins Drug Czar Gen.
McCaffrey, and Reps. Dingell and Kilpatrick
in Announcing $1 Million Federal Assistance
To Combat Drugs in the Detroit Area

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ Representative John Conyers, Jr.
(DMI), Ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee and Dean of
the Congressional Black Caucus, joined General Barry McCaffrey,
Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and Congressman John Dingell
in announcing the designation of the Detroit Metropolitan area as a
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, qualifying it for new
federal assistance to fight illegal drugs.

"The designation of Detroit as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking
Area will provide a much needed boost both in terms of morale and
resources for those engaged in fighting drugs," said Conyers. "It
means not just increased federal attention to this problem that has
plagued the communities of Detroit, Highland Park and the surrounding
areas, but a significant boost in monetary assistance. One million
dollars of 'startup' money for the HIDTA project will be an
important new tool in our efforts to make our neighborhoods safe and
prosperous again. This is only the beginning, and additional money is
anticipated in the years to come.

"The bad news, I suppose, is that Detroit has a problem this
serious. The good news is that due to this situation, we met the
statistical and other criteria to be designated as a HIDTA. This
means better coordination and planning among law enforcement agencies
and local organizations involved in fighting drugs. I am pleased to
stand with my colleagues from the White House and Congress in this
effort to reduce crime in our communities."

SOURCE Congressman John Conyers, Jr.

/CONTACT: Carl LeVan of Office of Congressman Conyers, 2022255126/

[Copyright 1997, PR Newswire]