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Narcotics
Bureau is responsible for the investigation of cases involving
the use, possession, sale, manufacture, and transportation
of controlled substances. Other responsibilities include disposal
of controlled substances, providing specialized training about
controlled substances, directing all financial and asset seizure/forfeitures
relative to narcotic activities, making public appearances,
liaison with the County of Los Angeles Narcotics Drugs Commission,
Western States Information Network, and participation in multi-agency
narcotic task forces.
The Sheriff's
Department's Cocaine seizures statistics continue to
mirror
a disturbing nationwide abuse trend. A significant
amount of Marijuana seizures are from outdoor grow locations
in the Angeles National
Forest.
To address
the increase activity relating to the cultivation of marijuana,
the Narcotics Bureau initiated a Marijuana Enforcement Team
(MET) comprised of Sheriff's narcotic investigators and members
of the United States Forest Service. Its mission is to eliminate
illicit indoor and outdoor marijuana grows.
The use
of methamphetamine continues to grow. The rise in methamphetamine
popularity has led to an increase in illicit drug labs. Methamphetamine
laboratories also pose health and environmental hazards to
investigators and the public. The very nature of the ignitable,
corrosive, reactive, and toxic chemicals at the lab sites
have resulted in explosions, fires, toxic fumes and irreparable
damage to human health.
The Los
Angeles County area continues to be a hub of narcotic activity.
The highly developed transportation routes and the close proximity
to the United States/Mexican border create a unique threat
by making Los Angeles County a major distribution, storage,
and supply center for illicit drugs destined for cities throughout
the United States and beyond.
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