Funding Cuts Result in Fewer Smuggler Prosecutions
Posted: Jun 19, 2013 3:30 PM Updated: Jun 19, 2013 4:06 PM

BROOKS COUNTY - Some drug smugglers are losing their loads to authorities, but they are not facing prosecution. The problem is being blamed on a break in cooperation between local and federal prosecutors. The Border Prosecution Initiative is at the root of the problems, officials said.
The initiative reimburses local prosecutors in border states for taking federal cases.
Federal officials cut funding to Brooks County after an audit showed $2 million in alleged excess payments to the county.
Brooks County, in turn, stopped taking federal drug cases. County officials feared that prosecuting them could cripple their budget.
Since federal agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration, focus on large smuggling cases, smugglers of small loads are not being prosecuted.
A Dallas resident, busted in Falfurrias with 99 pounds of marijuana four years ago, only was slapped with a fine. Neither the DEA nor Brooks County would take the case.
The problem is not unique to Brooks County, officials said. The lack of funding is affecting other regions along the border.
Local prosecutors fear the lack of federal funds may lead to a gaping loophole smugglers can exploit.

http://www.krgv.com/news/funding-cuts-result-in-fewer-smuggler-prosecutions/