By KRWG News
New Mexico – New Mexico has been chosen as one of seven states participating in a new effort to strengthen responses to drug abuse in rural areas.
According to the National Association of Counties, 47 percent of county sheriffs say methamphetamine is their top drug problem.
The association also says 62 percent of counties with populations of less than 25,000 report an increase in meth abuse by women.
The two-year Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative is funded by stimulus funds and administered under the Department of Justice.
The program is expected to focus on several priorities to strengthen responses in rural communities, including intercepting methamphetamine production and distribution, coordinating statewide law enforcement efforts, developing strategies to reduce gangs and improving access to prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.