Early in my policing career in the 1990’s, I worked as an undercover narcotics detective in Phoenix. Meth was “king” and domestic labs permeated our communities. Throughout my assignment, I saw the devastation to the lives of addicts, dealers and their families, and entire communities. Circa 2006, through various partnerships at the local, state and federal level, production of meth dramatically declined. Quality of life was improved for communities.

Championed at the time by founding MATFORCE members Cottonwood Police Chief Doug Bartosh and Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, the Cottonwood City Council became one of the first cities in the nation to create an ordinance that placed medications containing meth’s primary precursor behind the counter. The rest is history.

Today, Old Town Cottonwood is known for its shops, wineries, tasting rooms, and restaurants. It’s hard to imagine it as the haven for meth addicts and violence it once was. This is a testament of courage and affecting real change at the local level by an engaged community working together. Relationships matter.

The work doesn’t stop. Drug trends change and we currently face many challenges, most notably deadly fentanyl and powerful meth pouring across our southern border.

There is no doubt more can and must be done to stop the flow of dangerous drugs into our Country. Through shared vision, education, collaboration, and conviction we can continue to turn the tide.