01-09-26 Commissioners Approve A Drug Enforcement Grant For DINT (Photo) - 01/09/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2026
Commissioners Approve a Drug Enforcement Grant for DINT
(Douglas County, Ore) Douglas County Commissioners are pleased to announce that earlier this week they approved the acceptance of a renewal grant for the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT). DINT under the command of Lieutenant Rick McArthur received a grant from the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program (IMMEGP). The grant, awarded by the State of Oregon through the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), totals $1,945,652 and is the next cycle of an existing grant from the CJC that will support illegal marijuana enforcement efforts in Douglas County through August 31, 2027.
The funding will enhance DINT’s ability to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle illegal marijuana cultivation and distribution operations that pose risks to public safety, natural resources, and community well-being. Grant funds may be used to support personnel, investigations, equipment, training, prosecution-related costs, and collaborative enforcement efforts with local, state, and federal partners.
According to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program was created in 2018 following the passage of Senate Bill 1544 by the Oregon Legislature. The program was designed to provide targeted resources to local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices to address the ongoing challenges posed by illegal marijuana activity across the state. IMMEGP assists local communities with costs incurred while addressing unlawful marijuana cultivation and distribution operations, including investigation and prosecution, as well as services for victims and survivors of labor trafficking and worker abuse. Illegal grow operations are often associated with environmental damage, unsafe working conditions, human trafficking, and other criminal activity, making enforcement efforts critical to protecting both people and property.
Lieutenant McArthur emphasized that the grant would allow DINT to continue proactive enforcement, operational readiness while strengthening partnerships with other agencies within the boundaries of Douglas County. “This funding gives us the tools necessary to address complex, multi-jurisdictional cases and to protect our communities from the impacts of illegal marijuana operations.” He also personally thanked Commissioner Freeman for his extensive work on making sure this particular grant was funded properly and awarded to the agencies in Oregon that need it most.
Commissioner Freeman noted that the grant reflects the Board’s continued confidence in DINT’s work and ongoing commitment to provide responsible and effective drug enforcement in Douglas County. He also noted that DINT has one of the highest drug plant seizure rates in the State of Oregon.
DINT was originally formed in October 1989. The specialized unit was formed as part of a three-prong approach to substance abuse issues affecting Douglas County, Oregon. DINT is comprised of partnerships and support agencies made up of the following: Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County District Attorney's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Bureau of Land Management, and the Roseburg Police Department. The unit's primary responsibility is the investigation and enforcement of State and Federal Controlled Substance laws. Their mission also entails training for area police and fire departments, the public, and private sector businesses.
For more information about the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program, visit the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission website at: https://www.oregon.gov/cjc/imme/pages/default.aspx
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
