The Warren County Drug Task Force works all angles of drug enforcement.

The task force investigates cases in and around the county, assists other agencies with their operations, supports Warren County Drug Court, sells valuables formerly belonging to drug dealers, puts on and participates in awareness and education programs, and, when appropriate, connects those who need them with addiction services.

“The WCDTF targets drug traffickers of dangerous controlled substances that conceal and distribute these substances throughout our community,” District Attorney Rob Greene said. “The majority of cases investigated by the WCDTF target dealers of heroin, ‘bath salts’, methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription medication.”

“These are the substances that wreak havoc on our streets, create addicts of our children, and destroy families,” Greene said. “A large percentage of crime can be tied to drug use and abuse.”

“The district attorney and partnering agencies have made it their mission to combat these criminals and criminal organizations that think they can operate in our county with impunity,” he said. “Based on the successes of the WCDTF, they think wrong.”

The task force has investigated a total of 64 cases since it was re-activated in April 2014, Greene said. From those, there have been 53 arrests. All of those arrests have resulted in convictions.

“The District Attorney’s office has a 100 percent conviction rate related to prosecuting drug trafficking cases,” Greene said.

Some of those arrested are repeat offenders. Greene said he expects more investigations to result in arrests as the investigations move along.

The task force has partnered with and assisted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania State Police vice unit, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, and local drug task forces from surrounding counties in Pennsylvania and New York.

“Throughout 2014 and 2015 the WCDTF has worked complex drug trafficking investigations not only within Warren County, but extending into other jurisdictions where the sources of supply are located,” Greene said.

Task force efforts are not limited to drug trafficking cases.

“In addition, the WCDTF has assisted other law enforcement agencies with investigations related to homicide, drug overdose deaths, assault, firearms offenses, theft and child endangerment,” he said.

The task force has been seizing valuable items used in or bought from the proceeds of illegal activity.

“This is also a valuable tool to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking activities,” Greene said. “A public auction is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2016 to sell off assets seized from drug dealers.”

“The auction will include vehicles, computer equipment, tools, electronics, jewelry and other valuable items,” he said. “Although numerous firearms have been seized state law prohibits them from the auction.”

“The WCDTF knows that battling drug use and addiction isn’t all about arrests and statistics,” Greene said. “Members of the WCDTF have participated in numerous community awareness forums to educate the public about drug identification and use. The WCDTF has also been instrumental in connecting those in need of addiction services with the resources they need and fully supports the Warren County Drug Court program.”

A board of directors, made up of the district attorney and the heads of the participating law enforcement agencies, leads the task force in terms of police and procedure.

“Agencies participating in the Task Force and the board are the District Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s office, City of Warren Police, Conewango Township Police, Youngsville Police, Warren County Adult Probation and U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement,” Greene said. “The WCDTF consists of a coordinator, two assistant coordinators and twenty members.”

Greene credited local businesses and individuals with part of the success of the task force.

“We could not do this without the support of the community,” he said.

Those who wish to report suspicious activity or known drug activity, or to support to task force, are asked to contact the chief county detective at (814) 728-3462. Information can also be found by visiting www.warrencountyda.org.