Photo By Staff Sgt. Simone Sampson | Members of the Delaware National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force share their...... read more read more
NEW CASTLE, Del. – U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Karwatka, assistant adjutant general for the Delaware National Guard, addressed last year’s initiatives, future missions and its current collaboration with the community during the annual State of the Guard address Feb. 20, 2025. The event, held at the Joint Force Headquarters building named in honor of the late Major Beau Biden, emphasized the Guard's commitment to serving the state, mainly through its Counterdrug Task Force.
Presented by the Joint Military Affairs Committee, the event underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic planning between military, governmental, and community stakeholders. This year's briefing specifically highlighted the Delaware National Guard's Counterdrug Task Force, which plays a critical role in combating drug prevention, trafficking, and abuse within the state. By leveraging military resources and expertise, the task force enhances civilian law enforcement's efforts in detecting, interdicting, and disrupting drug-related activities.
"Last year, the program has helped seize over $1 million in drugs," said Karwatka, who recently assumed the position of assistant adjutant general for the Delaware National Guard. "There was enough fentanyl to potentially harm 30% of the Delaware population."
The National Guard's involvement in counterdrug efforts dates back to the 1980s when the federal government declared a "war on drugs." In 1989, Congress established the National Guard Counterdrug Program, allowing states like Delaware to leverage military resources to support law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
"The National Guard's Counterdrug program is a vital partnership with law enforcement," said Karwatka. "The program serves as a force multiplier by providing unique capabilities and resources to combat the drug crisis while focusing on supporting law enforcement, limiting drug entry points, and increasing unit readiness. The National Guard is committed to continuing their partnership with law enforcement to combat the drug crisis in the community."
Key initiatives and impacts of the counterdrug program include providing analytical support, social networking, financial analysis, and case management. The program also works with community organizations to develop prevention strategies and assist in recognizing prevention.
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2025 16:12 |
| Story ID: | 492110 |
| Location: | NEW CASTLE , DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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