LePage requests more agents for Maine drug crackdown or he’ll call up National Guard
Source: Portland Press Herald
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage told legislative budget writers that the state’s drug epidemic requires a swifter, more robust law enforcement response that, if unmet, will require him to deploy the Maine National Guard.
“We are in dire need,” LePage said. “In fact, next week I’m going to approach legislative leadership and ask for more resources. And if not, I’ll be forced to call up the National Guard.”
The governor’s unexpected visit to the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee came during a briefing by Attorney General Janet Mills on ongoing initiatives to address the drug problem. Mills discussed a comprehensive approach, including treatment, law enforcement and education, all of which were a response to the governor’s August drug summit. But LePage reminded lawmakers on Thursday that the purpose of the summit was attacking the “supply side” of the trade.
“You can agree, disagree, it makes no difference, but every day you’re going to see more dead people,” he said before listing off the names of presumably fictional drug dealers. “Every day you’re going to see more guys like ‘Smooth,’ ‘AK’ and ‘PK’ and ‘Scummy’ and ‘Shifty’ coming up from Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania. It’s going to continue.”
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Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2015/11/05/lepage-requests-more-agents-for-maine-drug-crackdown-or-hell-call-up-national-guard/
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