EXECUTIVE ORDER
88-3

WHEREAS, illicit drug use poses an immediate threat to the public health, safety and morals of all citizens; and,

WHEREAS, marijuana is the most widely consumed illicit drug in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, Missouri ranked fifth last year among all states in the production of marijuana; and,

WHEREAS, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has destroyed so far this year three hundred percent more marijuana plants than last year at this time; and,

WHEREAS, the months of August, September and October constitute the peak period for marijuana plant harvesting; and,

WHEREAS, the state should assist local law enforcement agencies during this crucial three month harvesting period; and,

WHEREAS, intensive law enforcement efforts have uncovered several amphetamine and drug processing laboratories in the state; and,

WHEREAS, the full resources of all state agencies must be incorporated to fight against illicit drugs:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN ASHCROFT, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI and Commander-in-Chief of the state militia, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Missouri, including Chapter 41 RSMo, do hereby order and direct the Adjutant General to call into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to conduct aerial marijuana plant and drug laboratory surveillance and detection efforts in conjunction with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I further order and direct the Adjutant General to take such action and employ such equipment as necessary to implement this order, and to provide such other assistance as I may direct from time to time.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 5th day of August, 1988.

GOVERNOR

[John Ashcroft's signature]
ATTEST:

[Roy D. Blunt's signature]
SECRETARY OF STATE

.pdf version