Increased drug enforcement on NH borders?

Earlier this week, the New Hampshire Senate voted in favor of SB 131, a bill that would increase funding for law enforcement efforts to combat the drug crisis, particularly at the state’s borders.

The bill uses $1.5 million out of an estimated $80 million surplus to fund hiring five new state police officers, to be assigned full-time to a new cross border drug interdiction program.

An additional $2.4 million in funding would go toward expanding the state’s ‘Granite Hammer’ program by providing overtime pay for local law enforcement working on substance abuse related activities. $940,000 would pay for overtime for state police engaged in similar efforts.

Finally, a portion of funds would be allocated to the state forensics department, to help cope with a backlog of drug overdose cases.

The move followed on the heels of controversial statements by Gov. Chris Sununu earlier in the month regarding the quantity of fentanyl entering the Granite State from across the Massachusetts border.

The Senate passed the measure 22-1.

“Adding five new troopers to the front lines of drug interdiction efforts who will work closely with Massachusetts state officials will allow for more targeted operations removing drug dealers from our streets,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, who sponsored the bill.

Supporters also argued that the bill effectively puts the surplus funds back in the hands of communities in an area of significant need.

Critics contend that the funds would be more effectively spent on expanding treatment options for those struggling with substance abuse.

Others argue that the federal "war on drugs" has proven that law enforcement cannot stop drug addiction. Even when high-level dealers are apprehended, new suppliers arrive to satisfy the demand for drugs from addicted users.

Should NH hire new police and fund more overtime to fight the drug epidemic, including increased enforcement on NH's borders? Leave a comment to join the discussion.