GRANVILLE, W.Va. — A growing drug problem in West Virginia sparked a regional discussion among law enforcement Wednesday.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with Granville, Morgantown and Star City police hosted a heroin epidemic informational session.
As the FBI shared state and federal information, Morgantown’s police chief cited a local threat assessment of heroin related crimes.
County leaders and law enforcement were among the guests.
They learned 4 out of 5 heroin addicts were once on prescription pain killers before moving to illegal drugs.
Congress is considering a $1.1 billion dollar request from President Obama to fund the fight against heroin abuse and prescription opioid abuse.
According to experts at the Granville information session, West Virginia is considered ground zero for the highest percentage of prescription pills per capita.
In the president’s request, West Virginia could receive $10 million dollars to help pay for additional access to treatment.