Some 200 local and state drug law officers who specialize in catching drug dealers will gather in West Des Moines today for federal counter-terrorism training. Iowa’s “Drug Czar,” Bruce Upchurch, says it’s the first training program of its type in the nation, and has a specific purpose.He says the training will teach the officers how to spot activity that might be linked to terrorism. Upchurch, whose official title is Director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy, says it’s a way to expand the eyes and ears of federal officials tracking terrorism.He says the officers are already highly trained and are the kind of officers who would come across indicators of terrorism. Upchurch says the selection of Iowa for the pilot project training speaks well for the job law enforcement is doing. Upchurch says Iowa has one of the best drug task force networks in the country. The training will last all day.
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