Coquille Indian Tribe & SCINT receive grant to fight meth problem

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By Azenith Smith

Story Published: Dec 18, 2007 at 3:14 PM PST

North Bend - Two local agencies, hoping to fight the methampetamine epidemic in Coos County, get an unexpected gift at Christmas time.

After applying in June, the Coquille Indian Tribe formally announced that they were the recipients of a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice at a gathering on Tuesday.

$170,000 of that money will go to the local drug task force, the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, or SCINT, to help them buy needed equipment, including three new vehicles.

North Bend Police Chief Steve Scibelli, who also serves on SCINT's Board of Directors, says the grant will help reduce the impact of drugs and drug-related crimes in the community.

"We know that 90 percent of people booked in jail are under the influence of drugs and alcohol," says Scibelli. "The people that are breaking into your cars and stealing your things are most likely addicted to drugs and getting money for narcotics. It's very important for our community livability that we continue this work."

The Coquille Indian Tribe also purchased two new thermal imaging devices, valued at $10,000 each, to help with their law enforcement efforts.

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