As the number of methamphetamine laboratories in Tennessee levels off, the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force is trying to find ways to stop imports of the drug from other countries.

Task Force Director Tommy Farmer and U.S. Attorney Russ Dedrick came to the Hamilton County Commission today to ask approval for $260,000 in grant funds for traffic-stop training throughout the state.

The “interdiction plus” training would give law enforcement officers throughout the state the same playbook in searching vehicles for drugs and interrogation, Mr. Farmer said.

Commissioners largely praised the move, though some wondered if the state of Tennessee would soon take over responsibility for the funding.

The Meth Task Force is funded through a federal grant handled through Hamilton County. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation recently became the task force’s granting authority, though Hamilton County still must handle some funding until the federal grant year ends.

For full coverage, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.