BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Sheriff Bill Elfo painted a troubling picture about an increase in illegal drugs on the streets of Whatcom County.

In an talk before County Council’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, Elfo says they’ve seen an increase in methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine availability, along with the dangerous pain-killer fentanyl.

He also spoke about deficiencies of the existing jail, including failing cell doors that are scheduled to be replaced starting in July.

Elfo implored the committee to keep working on a plan that includes replacing the downtown jail while continuing to create “robust mental health and substance abuse prevention strategies that will reduce reliance on the jail.”

Whatcom County voters have turned down tax proposals to fund a new jail near Ferndale twice.