The Covington County Drug Task Force Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday to welcome the Andalusia Police Department back as a member of its multi-jurisdictional unit.

In September 2012, former Andalusia Police Chief Wilbur Williams removed Andalusia’s two agents and relinquished his seat on the DTF board. For the past 16 months, Andalusia criminal investigators and patrol officers have been tasked with investigating narcotic cases within the city limits.

“When Chief Hudson was appointed, I stopped by his office to congratulate him,” said DTF Commander Mark Odom. “When I offered my assistance to his department, he told me ‘flat-out’ he wanted APD back in the DTF. I told him that I agreed completely and would help in any way to make that happen. We have been working toward this since that time.”

Sheriff Dennis Meeks said that Andalusia back as a member of the DTF is “a major blow to drug dealers and will be good for all of Covington County.”

The APD has committed one agent, a large amount of equipment and a number of resources to work with the DTF.

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said he was pleased that the APD is again a part of the DTF, and Chief Hudson, a former DTF agent, agreed.

“I know from my experience with the DTF how effective the unit is,” Hudson said. “I have no doubt this move will be a positive one for the citizens of Andalusia. Whether it be the DTF, our Cold Case Task Force or just agencies sharing information, I have always said law enforcement’s greatest resources are working together and the communication that comes from joint efforts.”

The DTF is now comprised of officers from the Covington County Sheriff’s Office and the Opp and Andalusia police departments. The District Attorney provides a prosecutor, while financial and/or logistical support is provided by Florala, River Falls, Red Level, Gantt and Lockhart police departments.