BEAUMONT — A new StopDrugs Website Project has kicked off and officials have already received the first of what they hope is numerous tips.

The Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, or HIDTA, which includes Jefferson County, provides resources for citizens to anonymously submit tips and information regarding drug trafficking and drug fugitives in the community, stay informed on current and emerging drug threats and fund drug prevention and drug education material, drug facts and drug identification resources, warning signs for parents,, information about what adults and teens need to know and drug awareness videos.

U.S. Attorney Malcolm Bales led a press conference on Monday unveiling the partnership between federal, state and local entities. Some of the most dangerous drug threats facing the Houston HIDTA region include synthetic drugs, methamphetamine and prescription drugs.

Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Joe Arabit explained the need for the push to stop drugs.

“Each day, 46 people die from an overdose of prescription pain killers in the U.S.,” Arabit said, referring to information from 2014. “The rate of prescription painkiller overdose deaths has more than quadrupled since 1999.”

The multijurisdictional website is supported by federal, state and local agencies and creates a partnership between the public and law enforcement. Tipsters can remain anonymous unless they voluntarily provide his or her contact information. The IP address will not be logged or transmitted with a submission. Bales explained tipsters won’t be monitored or tracking people who go to the website and there remains the possibility of a reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. The website is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

— A map shows the areas served by the new website.

The website is www.stopdrugsjeffersoncounty.org

There are also similar websites for Houston, Pasadena, Montgomery County, Victoria County and Corpus Christi.

Houston HIDTA Region includes the following counties; Aransas, Brazoria, Brooks, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Montgomery, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio and Victoria.

Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods, left, speaks with U.S. Attorney Malcolm Bales before a press conference announcing the launch of several websites to assist communities with drug relates community concerns.
Mary Meaux/The News

In addition to the websites, billboards will soon go up in the Beaumont area with the website address.

E-mail: mary.meaux@panews.com

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