GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Commissioners in one metro Atlanta county voted unanimously to accept a $1.5 million grant to help pay for major drug bust operations, new technology and resources.
Gwinnett County commissioners are accepting the grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy to help fight illegal drug trafficking.
According to Financial Services Deputy Director Natalie Williams, this is not the first time the board has approved a grant like this.
“Since receiving that approval, the county has been fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities for HITDA, which includes securing contracts for essential services, managing financial matters, and provision of grant management,” Williams said.
Officials previously said Gwinnett County is eligible for the federal funding because it is classified as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
The funding could also pay for equipment including drones and portable testing gear used to identify fentanyl, officials add.
The grant can also be used for drug prevention and treatment programs, according to Gwinnett County officials.
Other counties across metro Atlanta also have the federal designation of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
WSB Radio’s Jordan Brown contributed to this story.