ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The White House announced St. Joseph County has been designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which unlocks new federal resources and partnerships to combat the fentanyl crisis and organized crime in the community.

“This designation is a turning point for St. Joseph County,” said Sheriff Bill Redman of the St. Joseph County Police Department. “For too long, our families, neighborhoods, and law enforcement officers have been on the front lines of a battle against powerful, well-funded, and well-organized criminal networks that profit off addiction and suffering. With this HIDTA designation, we now have the resources, intelligence, and federal support we need to fight back and win.”

SJCPD says the HIDTA program helps strengthen coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement while providing more funding, technology, and training.

Authorities say the goal is to disrupt drug trafficking routes, dismantle criminal networks, and reduce the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics.

“The DEA Chicago Field Division applauds the decision to designate St. Joseph County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area,” said Todd Smith, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division. “The additional investigative resources at our disposal as a result of the HIDTA designation will bolster our collective efforts to keep Hoosiers safe and hold drug traffickers accountable.”

SJCPD will continue their collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring jurisdictions, including the South Bend Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, Pokagon Band Tribal Police Department, the Indiana State Police, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.