District Attorney General Jared Effler says the 8^th judicial drug task force is ending operations because of a lack of funding. That includes the counties of Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union counties. The team was funded through the seizures and forfeitures of currency, vehicles, firearms, and other property used by drug offenders.

Effler’s office conducted an audit and found the task force was operating beyond its fiscal means. He requested the Tennessee Comptroller to review the findings and they concurred.

A backup of cases in state and federal courts as well as a change in procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic “exposed the vulnerability of the self-funded operations.”

“In the next few weeks, we will begin the implementation of a new strategy to work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal distribution of drugs in our area,” Effler said. “This has been a challenging year for law enforcement and the criminal justice system. We must always be able to refocus and adapt in our pursuit of justice.”