(North Platte, Neb.)- A special enforcement encompassing five counties in west-central Nebraska led to the arrest of 25 individuals on drug charges.

The special enforcement in Dawson, Dundy, Custer, Harlan and Keith Counties involved high visibility patrols and vehicle checks beginning in the evening hours on Monday April 20 and continuing through the afternoon hours on Tuesday April, 21.

Twenty-four of the drug arrests occurred in Dawson County with 16 individuals arrested for Possession of a Controlled substance, and eight individuals arrest for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver.  One individual was arrested in Keith County for Possession of Pharmaceuticals without a Prescription.

Colonel Bradley Rice, Superintendent Of the Nebraska State Patrol said, “While determining the origin of the contraband is difficult, this effort sends a message that Nebraska is serious about keeping illegal drugs from entering our state.”

In addition to the 25 drug arrests, 24 individuals were cited and released for Possession of Marijuana More than an Ounce, but Less than a Pound and 83 individuals were cited and released for Possession of Marijuana Less than an Ounce

Arrests were also made for driving under the influence of drugs (3) and alcohol (1). Citations and warnings (173) were issued for various traffic violations, to include speeding, following too close, failure to signal, and failure to stop at a stop sign.

The Nebraska State Patrol conducted the special enforcement in conjunction with Sheriff’s Offices in Dawson, Dundy, Custer, Harlan and Keith Counties.  A grant from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) helped to pay for the special enforcement.