WASHINGTON, DC: Northern California Congressman Wally Herger (R-Rio Oso) has been appointed by the House leadership to serve on the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. “Taking an active role in the war on drugs has been a top priority for me, and I am looking forward to being personally and directly involved in helping to coordinate our nations efforts to combat drug abuse,” Herger said.
Highlighting the importance of the war on drugs, Herger noted, “In 1986 there were 37,000 drug related deaths in the United States and the Department of Justice estimates that drug abuse cost our society more than $100 billion in crime, medical costs, and lost productivity. All this must stop.
In the last two years the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine has exploded, prompting concern and action from state and local officials. Additionally, one fifth of all marijuana produced in California is produced in our congressional district,” Herger said. “According to county sheriffs I have spoken with, between 63 and 70 percent of all serious crimes committed in our 12 county district are drug related,” Herger said. “Moreover drug production and cultivation has been established on national forest lands, and elaborate protection devices for this illegal corp have been set up, including booby traps and armed surveillance, thus threatening the lives and safety of anyone who unwillingly enters the area.
Commenting on his selection and the appointment to the committee Herger noted, “Working on the task force which helped draft major provisions of last year’s Omnibus Drug Bill was a rewarding experience for me. With this new assignment I hope to continue to play a role in the formation of our nation’s drug policy.”
Article extracted from this publication >> May 5, 1989
