$9M in grants to boost police drug, child exploitation units

The government of Saskatchewan says it's giving Regina and Saskatoon money for police officersto combat internet child exploitation and illicit drugs.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Justice announced it was doling out a total of $9 million in municipal police grants to both cities, which will pay for 83 officers 40 in Regina and 43 in Saskatoon.

According to the province, the money will also pay forthree new positions inthe combined forces special enforcement unit, which targets illicit drug use in Regina and Saskatoon, as well as Prince Albert.

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Justice Minister Don Morgan said the money is also earmarked for police to work in the internet child exploitation unit.

"We've noted recently in Saskatoon there was a major conviction for a child porn ring andas a result of that we're able to withdraw eight to 10 children in other countries from that, so we're glad that we have that. We think it's making a significant difference."

The province's municipal police grants program also fundsinitiatives focused onchronic offenders, as well asthe Saskatoon crisis team and the provincial response team.