WASHINGTON COUNTY — A new task force to fight drug related crime is being formed between the Perry County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Both counties have seen dramatic increases in arrests, hospitalizations, and deaths related to drugs since 2014 according to Perry County Sheriff’s Department.

The partnership will link the two departments’ resources and personnel to coordinate anti-drug trafficking efforts in both counties, and will increase current efforts along Interstate 64, Highway 127, and Highway 51.

Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis applied and received a federal grant for $61,300 that will be used to hire special personnel specifically for the task force.