Subscribe
LEHI, UT - The annual Utah National Guard Counterdrug Conference opened with a simple message: the Counterdrug mission matters and the hard work does not go unnoticed. The Honorable Michael Buemi, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Counternarcotics and Global Threats, recognized Utah’s Counterdrug personnel for the work they do every day to disrupt drug trafficking, protect communities and defend the homeland.
“I try not to leave the Pentagon unless it matters, and this is just too important,” said Buemi, referencing his time visiting Utah and the Utah Counterdrug mission.
Buemi emphasized Counterdrug’s critical role in national defense and its value to military and law enforcement partners. He described Utah Counterdrug as a force multiplier, stating that their work supports federal and partner agencies across the country, not just those in Utah. The secretary later recognized standout individuals and teams on their joint agency coordination, linguistic support, and the long hours of those who translate foreign languages that have left an impact on critical threats is just one highlight to these visits and conferences.
The Counterdrug mission is a whole-of-government effort, combining military, law enforcement, and other government agencies to combat drug trafficking across the United States. In the calendar year 2026, Utah Counterdrug personnel provided critical intelligence and data which supported several major drug seizures. Their efforts also contributed to a significant fentanyl seizure in northern Utah, helping law enforcement disrupt a major drug trafficking network.
Brig. Gen. Michael Kjar, the Utah National Guard Adjutant General awarded several members of this program with the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of their efforts in degrading the capabilities of transnational criminal organizations. Their contributions led to a major reduction in the supply and fabrication of narcotics in the Western Hemisphere.
“This program really does work well.” said Miguel Chino, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement, Rocky Mountain Field Division. “And it’s because of the cooperation with all the different partners.”
Chino mentioned the importance of accurate data provided by the Utah Counterdrug program, which helps law enforcement and partner agencies make informed decisions and develop strategies before taking action against emerging threats.
“We’re all here for a mission, we’re all here to save American lives, and we all just work together,” he said.
The conference concluded with remarks from Dr. Spencer Hansen M.D. who offered a different perspective on the war on drugs. While Counterdrug focuses on disrupting drug trafficking networks and keeping illicit drugs off the streets, Hansen works directly with individuals affected by addiction, addressing the human impact of the drug crisis.
“I think we have a shared goal, and that’s basically to get harmful substances out of the hands of people that consume them,” said Hansen. The Counterdrug mission extends beyond collecting, analyzing and translating intelligence that supports law enforcement operations. It also addresses the human impact of drug addiction. While these efforts approach the problem from different angles, both share the same goal: saving lives and protecting communities from the effects of illegal drugs. Hansen encouraged attendees to consider different perspectives and recognize that there is no single solution to the challenges of the drug crisis. The Utah Counterdrug Program gives Soldiers and Airmen an opportunity to apply their military skills while working alongside law enforcement and other government agencies in support of the homeland. Their dedication and expertise produce tangible results, while events like the annual conference provide opportunities for mentorship, recognition and professional development. “Every dollar invested in our State and Federal programs directly amplifies the reach and safety of local, State, and Federal Counterdrug Law Enforcement Tasks Forces and Agencies,” said Col. Jeremy Stevenson, the Utah National Guard Counterdrug Coordinator. “In this role, National Guard Service Members strictly act in a support role to Counterdrug Law Enforcement Elements and Agencies; we do not possess or exercise the power to arrest, search, seize, or engage in any other direct law enforcement actions. As Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, we live in our communities and are deeply invested in their health and safety.”
The Utah National Guard Counterdrug Program is one that has provided a lasting impact on the fight against narcotics, not just here in the homeland, but globally as well. Having the resources of talented language interpreters, analysts and strategy planners allow for coordinated missions when working with other agencies. These talented professionals maintain their skillset, and stand always ready.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2026 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 574094 |
| Location: | LEHI, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Utah Counterdrug Conference Highlights Mission to Defend the Homeland, by SSG Ian Tracy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
