WINNEMUCCA — Many have looked across Humboldt County’s wide open spaces and seen opportunity. For the early settlers it was agricultural; lately it’s been renewable energy. But for some it’s been the ability to grow marijuana and traffick in drugs.

After all, there’s isn’t a cop for miles. There’s isn’t anybody for miles.

However, funding from the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program may give narcotics officers an upper hand. Using some of the 2009-2010 fiscal year monies, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was able to purchase two Arctic Cat Prowlers (UTV’s) and an enclosed trailer.

The vehicles went to the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) for enforcement in Humboldt, Pershing, and Lander Counties so officers may conduct rural drug enforcement investigations and surveillance operations on some of the tough terrain in the outlying areas.

The purchase of these UTV’s was made locally at Snowstorm Sports, which is owned and operated by Jim White. White commented, “We appreciate doing this kind of thing for law enforcement. We give them a good deal and accommodate them in whatever way we can.”

Approximately $26,000 of the JAG money went for the purchase of the trailer and two UTV’s.

Lt. James Mercado, of the Department of Public Safety – Investigation Division, was on hand to receive the UTV’s on behalf of TRIDENT and to offer the appreciation of the staff.