A Pella native serving in the Iowa National Guard Counterdrug Task Force made a stop to talk to the local American Legion Post Monday.

Lt. Col. Jon Borg presented to veterans, as well as leaders with the Pella Youth Coalition. Borg says with advancements in technology, it’s become much easier to purchase drugs, which is creating several issues throughout the state and country.

“The access not only to get drugs–whether it be THC, edible products or synthetic opioids like fentanyl or methamphetamine, there’s so many different avenues where when I started law enforcement or even just 10 years ago that wasn’t there, where now people can access things through the internet and can reach literally across the world to order a synthetic drugs that can show up in their mail.”

He says while Pella remains a less drug active community than many, he says the same issues facing those in trouble can easily creep into Pella, especially if youth get involved in use and distribution of controlled substances.

“You need trusted law enforcement that is out there with their eyes open and talking to people and really looking for issues,” he says. “Also on the on the community side, whether it’s the education for kids or helping those people that have addictions and coming alongside them– really, just multiple attacks on the drug problem is the best way.”

Borg has been working in law enforcement for more than two decades, focusing on counterdrug enforcement.