What Is a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area?

A High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) is a region the ONDCP Director designates for federal assistance after considering statutory factors, including whether the area is a significant center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation or distribution (21 U.S.C. 1706(b) and (d)). The program supports coordinated law enforcement strategies to reduce the supply of illegal drugs.

Designation. The Director designates areas in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the heads of National Drug Control Program agencies and the Governor of each state involved (21 U.S.C. 1706(b)(1)).

Factors. The Director considers whether the area is a significant drug trafficking center, whether state, local and tribal law enforcement have committed resources, whether drug activity is having a significant harmful impact, and whether a significant increase in federal resources is needed (21 U.S.C. 1706(d)).

Executive Board. Each HIDTA must be governed by an Executive Board to receive funds. The board sets goals, manages funds, reviews funding proposals and approves reports to the Director. Votes must be split equally between federal agencies and state, local and tribal agencies (21 U.S.C. 1706(e)).

Funding limits. The Director must make sure that no more than 5 percent of federal program funds go to substance use disorder treatment and drug prevention programs (21 U.S.C. 1706(f)).

Drug topics. The FAQ on what fentanyl is and the FAQ on methamphetamine describe these drugs. Testing changes are covered in the news post on DOT's proposal to add fentanyl to drug testing panels.

Background. The FAQ on what ONDCP is explains the office that runs the program.