NATION : More Guard Use in Drug War OKd
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WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Dick Cheney approved $13.4 million today for the increased use of National Guard troops in civilian anti-drug law enforcement efforts in 36 additional states and U.S. territories.
This raises the total number of National Guard anti-drug plans approved by Cheney to 48 states and U.S. territories at a cost of $25.2 million. On March 30, Cheney approved $11.8 million for the plans of the first 12 states, including California.
Congress authorized $300 million to the Pentagon this year to increase the military’s involvement in the campaign against illegal drugs. At least $40 million of that money has been set aside for use by the National Guard. The Guard generally will be used for detection and monitoring through aerial surveillance and photography, radar surveillance, assistance in searching containers and the transportation and training of law enforcement personnel.
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