Governor's Task Force
The Governor's Task Force/Drug Suppression (GTF) is assigned to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety and supervised by a task force commander from the Georgia State Patrol.
GTF is comprised of six state agencies and one federal agency. Each agency provides resources specific to their enforcement mission such as aircraft, intelligence, logistical and administrative support, equipment and personnel trained and experienced in operating in a variety of environments found throughout the state.
The task force is funded through the Federal Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP). These federal funds, derived from asset forfeiture, are administered by the Department of Justice, through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety then allocates the funds within DEA guidelines to combat locally grown cannabis.
The primary role of the task force is to eradicate domestic marijuana cultivation within the state of Georgia, both indoor and outdoor, and to gather intelligence relating to its manufacture and cultivation. Agencies comprising the 2018 task Force were The Georgia State Patrol, Motor Carrier Compliance Division, Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division, Department of Corrections – Community Supervision Division, Georgia Army National Guard Counter Drug, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Governor’s Task Force works throughout the state as a support force for local agencies. Operational goals for the GTF include the utilization of intelligence and aggressive enforcement to locate marijuana cultivation operations and prosecute those responsible for the criminal activity. The GTF provides increased enforcement on public lands. Enforcement efforts encompass 159 counties covering approximately 59,425 square miles. GTF initiates and develops intelligence for grow operations throughout the state. The intelligence is shared with local agencies. Subsequent investigations result in numerous arrests and seizures.