Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials met on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in Somerset, to discuss initiatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice that are designed to combat drug trafficking and violent crime. Approximately 40 officials, including local prosecutors, police chiefs, and sheriffs, met at the Center for Rural Development, to discuss current trends in drug trafficking and violent crime affecting the south central region of Kentucky. Representatives from Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area have a briefing on the current trends. U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan, Jr. said the goal is to establish and maintain partnerships with local and state law enforcement in a joint effort to remove violent offenders from communities.