Congressman Owens' Bill Cracks Down On Drug Smuggling

WASHINGTON - Congressman Bill Owens today announced the introduction of two bills that would both enhance trade and strengthen security along the border between the United States and Canada.

"It is vital to both the economic development of our region and the safety of our community that we take steps to stop the drug trade across our northern border," Owens said. "Northern New York has benefitted for decades from a robust business relationship across international lines, but any illegal activity that takes place over our border threatens that relationship."

H.R. 4747, the Cross Border Reservation Drug Trafficking Sentence Enhancement Act, would enhance the sentence of anyone found guilty of using Indian tribal lands to smuggle drugs through an additional fine and/or an additional 10 year prison sentence.

The legislation is a companion bill of New York Senator Charles Schumer's effort in the Senate.

H.R. 4748, the Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act, will enhance American response to illegal trafficking of drugs by requiring the Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to work jointly with the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a counternarcotics strategy and better coordinate a working relationship between Indian tribal law enforcement agencies and the United States government.

Area District Attorneys have praised Rep. Owens' quick action in introducing legislation to assist Northern Border communities:

"These bills are exactly what our communities need right now," said Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie. "This legislation will send a clear message to those who think they can break international laws and endanger our region, that we will not stand for it."

"I cannot thank Congressman Owens enough for his efforts today to address the problems in areas that criminals continue to exploit through drug, people, and weapons smuggling. These bills show a continued concern for our community and border safety," said Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne.

"Illegal drug trafficking is a threat to the safety of our border communities, and this will work to enhance our tradition of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to address that threat," said Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert.

"The Northern Border has long been exploited by those engaged in cross border drug trafficking. Its devastating impact is felt not only here in Northern New York, but in communities throughout the northeastern United States, as many of our young people are lured into a life of crime. I applaud Congressman Owens' efforts to introduce federal legislation that will help direct attention and much needed resources to this problem," said St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé.