FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2007

CONTACT: Stephen E. Schatz (202) 395–5744 / (202) 340–3054

DEPUTY "DRUG CZAR" DISCUSSES LAW ENFORCEMENT IN INDIAN COUNTRY

-STRESSES THE NEED TO BUILD TRUST TO REDUCE DRUG USE-

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Scott Burns, Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), testified before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs regarding drug enforcement in Indian Country. Mr. Burns highlighted the Bush Administration's efforts to combat illegal drug use in Indian Country through a balanced strategy of prevention, treatment, and enforcement.

Deputy Director Burns emphasized several programs and initiatives geared toward American Indian communities, including ONDCP's partnership with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to develop new print and radio advertising targeting methamphetamine use. He also commented on ONDCP's outreach to Native American-serving organizations to encourage their participation in the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, which provides grants, up to $500,000 over 5 years, to fund local solutions to local substance abuse problems.

In addition to his role as Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs, Mr. Burns serves as the chairman of the Law Enforcement Task Force of the President's Indian Affairs Executive Working Group. The Working Group brings together all relevant Federal agencies to create and implement law enforcement policy with Indian Country.

"As chairman, I have worked to create a consistent and concise message, and worked to build trusting and working relationships with the Native American population, and assist them against drug pushers," said Deputy Director Burns. "ONDCP has provided $500,000 to help Native American populations detect, deter, interdict, disrupt and/or dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and we are already seeing results. Flexibility and resources will be extremely important as we continue to expand our commitment and cooperation, and make further inroads with the Native American population."

Deputy Director Burns will continue his outreach efforts to the Native American community by attending several meetings and conferences this summer. Mr. Burns is scheduled to address the Plenary Tribal Session of the NCAI on June 11th in Anchorage, Alaska, speak at the first annual Hopi Youth Conference on June 20th in Hotevilla, Arizona, and meet with representatives of the Navajo Nation Drug Enforcement Units.

To learn more about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, please visit: http://www.ondcp.gov.