Some Colorado law enforcement agencies say they are scrambling as they try to figure out what to do after some state grants to fight fentanyl trafficking ended in June, even though a state website indicated there would be more grant money available to police agencies in 2025.
“We were as shocked as anyone the money dried up,” said Delta Police Chief Luke Fedler.
His department received $267,000 that he said was invaluable in disrupting fentanyl trafficking in western Colorado. Delta was one of 38 Colorado law enforcement agencies that shared about $6 million in grant money that was administered by Colorado’s Office of Adult and Juvenile Assistance. The money was aimed at helping law enforcement agencies investigate deaths and serious injuries caused by synthetic opiates and clamp down on opiate trafficking.
Fedler says his agency used the money for specialized equipment, software and overtime to work anti- fentanyl operations. He said there were indications there would be additional funding. Indeed, the state website said this was “a funding opportunity … for fiscal year 2024 and 2025.”