Eight police departments in Schuylkill County were among those who were handed out checks by District Attorney James P. Goodman from money that was seized from drug dealers and also from gamblers as a result of successful criminal prosecutions, at ceremonies which took place in Number One Courtroom at the Schuylkill County Courthouse Wednesday.

Receiving checks were:Rush Township Police Department, $2,200, which they plan to use for the purchase of two new computer systems at a cost of $700 each and a taser at $800.McAdoo Police Department, $4,049, which will be used for the purchase of two desktop computers, tasers and a shotgun.Kline Township Police Department, $4,060, which will be used for the purchase of a taser, camera and other law enforcement equipment.Cass Township Police Department, $1,635.45 which will be used for the purchase of tasers.Palo Alto Police Department, $3,300, which will be used for the purchase of Crime Star law enforcement investigation and records management software.Pottsville Police Department, $10,000, for the purchase of equipment, vehicles and training for police officers.Schuylkill Haven Police Department, $3,000, which will be used for purchase of police department equipment.Shenandoah Police Department, $2,200, which will be used for purchase of computer, body camera and miscellaneous equipment.Juvenile Probation Department, $1,500, for purchase of drug testing supplies.Bicentennial Committee, $2,500. for a bench to be installed at a commemorative site on courthouse grounds on behalf of crime victims.Goodman said the monies were obtained from drug forfeitures following successful drug prosecutions in court and from the Schuylkill ICE operation which was a successful prosecution of a major methamphetamine drug ring operating in Northern Schuylkill County where over $300,000 in assets were turned over to law enforcement authorities. His office received a check from the United States Goverment for its role in the ICE operation totaling $89,443.52.Police officers in uniforms from all departments listed as recipients were present to receive the checks and expressed their gratitude to the district attorney's office.Goodman added that municipal police departments or any law enforcement agency in the county can make a request to the Schuylkill Countyu Drug Task Force for funds by sending a written letter to the district attorney's office at the courthouse in Pottsville, to the attention of Assistant District Attorney Thomas J. Campion. Goodman also urged the public to get involved in combating the illegal drug activity which may be going on in their community by calling the drug tip line at 1-800-414-1406 to report any illegal ongoing activity.