Placer County wasted no time in getting organized for its fight against illegal drugs.

Targeting methamphetamines, the Board of Supervisors last week gave $208,000 to the Sheriff's Department for the hiring of two deputies for the drug unit.

On Jan. 8, the county announced a new drug education program to be overseen by its Health and Human Services Department, which created a DVD about the dangers of meth and where to seek help.

Supervisor Bruce Kranz called methamphetamine "a huge drain" on society.

"In fighting meth, you're going to pay one way or the other," he said. "You can arrest people and put them in jail. Or you can try to educate people.

"I would rather pay to get people off the drug altogether. If possible, keep them from ever getting started."

Placer Undersheriff Steve D'Arcy said his department likely will use the $208,000 to shift two experienced officers to the drug unit and then hire two new deputies for regular duties.

D'Arcy said the two narcotics officers also will work closely with the cities of Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn and Lincoln in the battle against methamphetamine.

"The sheriff and the city police chiefs will build a strategic plan for this," he said. "Artificial boundaries don't mean anything to the drug community."

County officials launched a meth-awareness campaign and began distributing a DVD titled "It's a Fact: Meth is Our Problem."

The DVDs are free of charge. Schools and community organizations are encouraged to obtain them by calling the Health and Human Services Department at (530) 889-7238 or by going online at www.placer.ca.gov and clicking on any of the links that read "meth awareness video."

Meanwhile, the state of California has announced its own public awareness campaign targeting methamphetamine.

The campaign will feature public service ads and community outreach and public relations programs. Information is available online at www.adp.ca.gov or by calling the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs at (866) 787-6384.