Indiana police receive nearly $1M to fight illicit drugs

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana State Police have received nearly $1 million in federal funding to combat methamphetamine and heroin distribution and abuse.

The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/2cWZjWg ) reports that the grant is part of a $12 million effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to curb the illicit drugs. Indiana received $350,000 from the department's Anti-Heroin Task Force Program, and $600,000 from its Anti-Methamphetamine Program.

According to a Justice Department news release, state police will use the money "to address the significant increase in drug-related deaths in the state."

There were 462 opioid-related deaths in Indiana in 2014, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. And in 2013 and 2014, authorities seized more meth labs in Indiana than in any other state.

___

Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com