The Yavapai County Oversight Board accepted a $626,000 state grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to expand the Partners Task Force Against Drug Trafficking (PANT) during the meeting. The funds are being reallocated from the Drug Enforcement Fund, formerly known as the Border Strike Force Fund.
Governor Katie Hobbs claimed the strike force had not hit its target. General Appropriations Bill SB 1720, passed May 11, allocated $17.145 million for border drug interdiction, $12.232 million for local border assistance, and $3 million for fentanyl prosecution. Yavapai County will receive $337,500 for search and rescue equipment and $22,600 for juvenile detention. Yavapai University will also receive $4 million. Funds intended for local border assistance may be used by local governments and counties to address border-related crimes, detention of suspects, and related equipment necessary to carry out their duties. .
