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(AP) -- South Carolina National Guard soldiers have long helped local officials fight the drug trade, but that role could expand to target major drug traffickers.

The Post & Courier of Charleston reported Monday a little-publicized program employs guardsmen to help find marijuana fields, uncover narcotics shipments and gather information on drug runners.

Members of South Carolina's congressional delegation are now trying to create a specialized unit to target major drug traffickers and terrorist networks that benefit from the illicit profits.

Supporters said the program provides access to a vast network of military resources. Others, including Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen, question whether the millions of dollars to create the program would be better spent on agencies already working on the threats.

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