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- - 848 <br />HISTORICAL DATA <br />'rough the efforts of the Drug Task Force, a number of major goals regarding <br />w enforcement and criminal justice were undertaken and accomplished that <br />were beyond the abilities and funding levels of local law enforcement <br />agencies. This past grant period, the task force was responsible for making <br />approximately 307 drug cases with only 4 undercover agents. So far, in the <br />current period, 153 cases have been made by the task force. The sales of <br />crack cocaine have continued to rise during the years the task force has been <br />in operation, while the violent crime rate decreased 17.4% over the past <br />year. Just under 400 persons are on parole in the member counties while <br />nearly 2,700 persons are on probation. 68 juveniles are on probation in <br />Lamar and Red River Counties with Fannin County not reported. Incidents of <br />gang violence and racial tensions have been on the rise with documented ties <br />to narcotics trafficking, particularly crack cocaine. 3 cases involving <br />organized crime have been filed within the past year and the task force has <br />broken up a methamphetamine distribution ring, and 2 different crack cocaine <br />organizations. In the past 5 years the task force has been in operation, <br />they have successfully apprehended and convicted almost every major targeted <br />dealer operating in the 3- county area. However, as those persons were <br />convicted, others have risen to take their place or they have been released <br />from prison. <br />