Graves Secures Money For NITRO

Press Release

Graves Secures Money For NITRO

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves announced he has secured $375,000 in funding for the Northwest Missouri Interagency Team Response Operation (NITRO) in a bill that passed the House today. The funding will be for personnel, transportation and communication needs.

"NITRO has had tremendous success disrupting and finding those who prey on our children with dangerous drugs," said Graves. "This is a home-grown approach that works for Northwest Missouri. I'm proud to be a part of the team."

The funding was requested by Graves and included in the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives today. The bill will now go to the United States Senate and would need to be signed by the President before becoming law.

"This funding is crucial to be able to continue with the success we've had in putting bad guys in jail," said Greg Coon, NITRO Task Force Administrator. "We appreciate Sam Graves' help and we appreciate his understanding of how valuable this task force is to rural Missouri."

From January 1, 2006, to March 1, 2007, NITRO has opened 59 Federal or State cases, conducted 96 Federal or State search warrants and consent searches. They have seized 432.50 ounces of marijuana, 180 ounces of methamphetamine, 5.53 ounces of cocaine, 2 grams of heroin, and 1052 Ecstasy pills. 106 arrests on 221 different charges have been made with 114 firearms being seized.

Since 2002, 150 cases have yielded 324 different defendants. Those who were convicted received a total of 12,399 months in Federal or State Confinement facilities.

"NITRO has absolutely been an important partner for every law enforcement agency in Northwest Missouri," said Corey Sloan, Cameron Police Chief and NITRO Board Member. "This is an important project for rural Missouri and it will make a big difference for everyone."

Created in 2002, NITRO is a multi-jurisdictional Drug and Violent crime Task Force that operates in the 16 county area of Northwest Missouri. Counties included are Andrew, Atchison, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan, Nodaway and Worth.

Graves has been able to secure over $1 million in funding for the NITRO Task Force since 2002.

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