New recommendations include a focus on private insurance and Medicaid payment for substance abuse treatment and expanded use of prescription drug monitoring database

Attorney General Matt Denn on Wednesday reviewed the state’s progress toward fulfilling goals that he outlined a year ago to address Delaware’s drug abuse epidemic, and outlined the additional steps that the state must take to help Delawareans struggling with substance use disorder and stop more Delawareans from becoming addicted to heroin and prescription opioids.

Attorney General Denn, joined by anti-addiction advocates, health professionals and law enforcement, highlighted four areas which should be addressed by the state over the next year are:

• The creation of more treatment opportunities for persons with substance use disorder

• Review of the state’s private insurance and Medicaid regulations to ensure that persons with substance use disorder are not ‘forced to fail’ before getting access to appropriate substance abuse treatment

• Increased use of the state’s prescription drug monitoring system to refer cases of potential criminal conduct or medically questionable prescription practices to appropriate enforcement authorities

• Improved communication with the state’s medical community with respect to overdoses by their patients, and more generally with respect to the prescription of Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs with opioid drugs

The Attorney General identified three recommendations from 2015 that the state had made significant progress in implementing:

• Tightening restrictions on the prescription of opioid drugs to require more diligence and oversight from doctors

• Expansion of the number of police departments carrying Naloxone, a medication that revives overdose victims

• The creation of a Drug Overdose Fatality Review Commission to review overdose cases and make evidence-based recommendations to the state with respect to additional steps the state should take to reduce overdose deaths. The Commission was created by legislation this spring and met for the first time Wednesday morning. (As created in the law, and like the Child Death Review Commission on which it was modeled, meetings of the Drug Overdose Fatality Review Commission, are required to be closed because the commission’s purpose is to review the facts of specific individual deaths, including medical history and details. But Commission findings and recommendations will be reported to the public annually.)

“Our core job as prosecutors is to prosecute criminal activity after it has happened,” Attorney General Denn said. “But it is impossible for us to ignore the crushing impact that drug trafficking has on both violent crime and property crime in our state. And just as importantly, it is impossible for anyone to ignore the pain that drug addiction and overdoses have inflicted on so many of our friends and neighbors. So at the same time as we continue to aggressively prosecute drug dealing cases, I am determined to keep advocating for solutions to our state’s substance abuse crisis. The state has made some progress, but the toughest work is still ahead.”

“We’re in the middle of an opiate epidemic. Business as usual isn’t working,” said Dr. Terry Horton, Chair of the Drug Overdose Fatality Review Commission. We need to come up with creative methods to understand and learn about the nature of the epidemic, and then to be able to come up with smart recommendations to address it.”

“One overdose death is one too many,” said Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. “We have to be ready when people are ready to get help and stop punishing people for having a disease.”

“The Attorney General’s leadership in fighting the prescription drug epidemic is vital. Public Health is pleased to partner with him as we work across the spectrum to reduce overdoses,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health. “And, for those seeking information on substance abuse prevention, recognition, and treatment, visit HelpisHerede.com. It provides information and resources for Delaware community members and medical providers.”

“We are happy to see more departments of peace officers are now trained and carrying the life-saving medication, naloxone. We look forward to all departments being trained,” said David Humes, a board member of atTAcK Addiction.

Major Pat Crowell of the New Castle County Police says his officers are on the streets saving lives. “Since April 2015, we’ve used Narcan 38 times. That’s 38 uses, 38 saves, and 38 people who got a second chance.”

Read Attorney General’s report and recommendations.

Kent and Sussex County- On May 11th 2016, members of the Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Unit (SDU), Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), and the Sussex County Attorney General’s Office concluded a two year long investigation of a criminal organization which engaged in large scale heroin distribution and money laundering. A total of thirteen agencies were involved in the investigation. The following additional special units within the Delaware State Police participated: Sussex, Kent and New Castle County Drug Units; Sussex, Kent, and New Castle County Governor’s Task Force Units, Intelligence Unit, Special Operations Response Team. Federal participating agencies that assisted with the investigation include, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Homeland Security Investigations Unit (HSI) and the National Guard Counter Drug Task Force. Local law enforcement participating agencies include Department of Correction, Probation and Parole, Georgetown Police Department, Seaford Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Dover Police Department, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE), Delaware Division of Revenue Criminal Investigative Unit, Dover Downs Casino and Surveillance Unit.

The investigation revealed Deangelo Mcglotten was the ring leader for the heroin distribution into Kent and Sussex Counties along with his closest associates, Timothy Felix and Adrian Coverdale. In addition to the heroin distribution network, the investigation revealed the illegal proceeds of the drug organization were being laundered by Salman Choudhary through casinos, businesses, and personal properties. Eleven Suspects were indicted by the Sussex County Grand Jury as part of the investigation.

The arrest operation was initiated with seven search and seizure warrants being executed throughout Kent and Sussex Counties by the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) SWAT, and the additional above units of the Delaware State Police. The operation disrupted the flow of heroin into the communities of Kent and Sussex Counties. The organization supplied several drug markets in Sussex County including Chandler Heights, Meadowbridge, Coverdale, and Oak Orchard. In total, thirteen suspects were charged with 77 criminal offenses as part of the overall investigation.

Search warrants were executed on two separate occasions during the investigation. On January 13th, 2016 a search and seizure warrant was executed at Deangelo Mcglotten’s residence, located in the 16,000 block of Progress School Road, Bridgeville. Another was executed on an Acura MDX linked to Mcglotten. The following evidence was seized as part of this investigation on January 13th 2016:
42,250 bags of heroin or approximately 633 grams of heroin
$7740.00
A stolen 9 mm handgun
A Marlin 30-30 rifle

On May 11th 2016, seven search and seizure warrants were executed at the following locations:
2000 block of Woodyard Road, Harrington, DE
12,000 block of Beach Highway, Greenwood, DE
16,000 block of Progress School Road, Bridgeville, DE
300 block of James Street, Georgetown, DE
400 block of Central Park Drive, Harrington, DE
400 block of South Washington Street, Milford, DE
200 block of Aspen Drive, Cheswold, DE

The following evidence was seized during the final arrest operation where seven search warrants were executed on May 11th 2016:
74,425 bags of heroin or approximately 1,116 grams of heroin
$200,000 was seized which includes cash and seized assets from numerous accounts
Approximately $50,000.00 in jewelry
3 Ruger 9mm handguns
A Raven Arms .25mm handgun
A M4 Carbine Rifle
23 vehicles total value approximately $250,000

The drug seizure on May 11th 2016 is one of the largest single seizure of pre-packaged heroin in state history netting more than 74,000 bags of heroin, which has a $740,000.00 street value. The total heroin seizure for the overall investigation is 116,675 bags or approximately 1749 grams of heroin with a street value of $1,166,750.00.

Following lists the names of the suspect identified as part of the organization who were indicted by the Sussex County Grand Jury:

Deangelo Mcglotten, 31 of Felton, – 17 Charges
Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity, Criminal Solicitation 2nd degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree, 4 counts of Money Laundering, Organized Crime and Racketeering, Fraud and false statements makes and subscribes a false return statement docum., Possess, Purchase, Own or Control a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If previously Convicted, Possess, Purchase Own Control Firearm, Ammo by Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possess a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, 2 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Receiving a Stolen Firearm. Committed in default of $1,000,000.00 cash bond.

Patrick Cirwithian, 30 of Greenwood, Maintaining a Drug Property, Conspiracy 2nd degree, Organized Crime and Racketeering. Committed in default of $350,000.00 Cash Bond

Adrian Coverdale, 34 of Blades, Manufactures, Delivers, PWID a Controlled Substance in Tier 4 Quantity, Possesses a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Criminal Solicitation 2nd degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Money Laundering, Organized Crime and Racketeering. Committed in default of $400,000.00 Cash Bond

Timothy Felix, 30 of Dover, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity, two counts of Drug Dealing, Criminal Solicitation 2nd degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree, Money Laundering, Organized Crime and Racketeering. Committed in default of $750,000.00 Cash Bond

Tina Mosley, 51 of Greenwood, Maintaining Drug Property, Conspiracy 2nd degree and Organized Crime and Racketeering.
Committed in default of $750,000.00 Cash Bond.

Salman Choudhary, 37 of Georgetown, Organized Crime and Racketeering, three counts of Money Laundering, two counts of Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax, and two counts of Failure to File Return. Committed in default of $1.7 Million Cash Bond

The following Suspects were charged and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court:

Daniel Montalvo-Rosado, 29 of Wilmington, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity and Conspiracy 2nd degree. Committed in default of $200,000.00 Cash Bond

Christian Cortes, 27 of Wilmington, Operate Unregistered MV, No Valid License, Fail Trans T/R and No Insurance.
Committed in default of $200,000.00 Cash Bond

*The following suspects were indicted by the Sussex County Grand Jury in connection with this investigation have NOT been located at this time:

Linda Mcglotten, 49 of Milford, Racketeering and Money Laundering.

Reginald Mcglotten, 30 of Millsboro, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity, Criminal Solicitation 2nd degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree, Money Laundering, Organized Crime and Racketeering.

Obrien Morris, 26 of Millsboro, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Possesses a controlled substance in a Tier 5 quantity, 2 counts of Criminal Solicitation 2nd degree, Conspiracy 2nd degree, Money Laundering, Organized Crime and Racketeering.

Luis Manzanet-Garlaza, 27 of Milford, Manufactures, delivers, PWID a controlled substance in Tier 4 quantity, Conspiracy 2nd degree and Organized Crime and Racketeering.

Sohail Zeeshan, 39 of Rehoboth Beach, Organized Crime and Racketeering, three counts of Money Laundering, two counts of Fraud and False Statement Makes and Subscribes a False Return Statement Document.

Luis Manzanet-Garlaza has ties to Milford, Delaware, Northern New Jersey, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Delaware State Police are requesting any information that may lead to the location and arrest of these subjects.

If anyone has any information in reference to the location of the listed wanted subjects, they are asked to contact Sgt. M. Dawson at 302-752-3815. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Below is a list of statements provided by agencies involved in the operation:

Delaware Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Office:

“Heroin is a serious, serious problem in Delaware right now and all of law enforcement is working together to combat it,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “This operation puts a significant dent in the heroin traffic in the southern part of the state and is another example of how the close working relationship between our office and Delaware State Police, as well as other agencies, can make a difference and make Delaware a safer place. Along with the Delaware State Police who worked diligently on this case, I would also recognize Deputy Attorneys General Rebecca Anderson, Christopher Hutchison, Michael Tipton, and Adam Gelof for leading the DOJ side of this very complicated and noteworthy investigation, and I thank State Prosecutor Kathy Jennings, and Chief Sussex County Prosecutor Peggy Marshall for their leadership in this important case.”

Matt Denn
Attorney General

Delaware State Police:

“This investigation targeted a criminal organization responsible for large scale heroin distribution and money laundering in Kent and Sussex County. The presence of drugs and drug dealers in our communities invariably leads to an increase in crimes such as robberies and thefts and has a significant impact on the health and safety of our communities. The success of this drug investigation would not have been realized if it were not for the cooperation between all of the agencies involved. The large amount of drugs seized and the drug traffickers that were arrested would have continued to plague our communities. Thank you to all of our Troopers all of the Federal, State and local agencies and the Department of Justice for their excellent teamwork and collaboration on this investigation. All of our agencies remain committed to working with our communities to reduce violent crime and drug trafficking throughout the State of Delaware.”

Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.,
Superintendent of Delaware State Police

Division of Gaming Enforcement:

“The results were only possible with everyone providing information and support. It began as a possible money laundering case and evolved into one of the largest heroin seizures in state along with other asset seizures throughout Sussex County to include money, property and guns. The success of this operation was only possible with the full commitment of all our partners in law enforcement along with those in public and private sector. Thank you to everyone who assisted our efforts to reduce the impact that heroin has on our communities and remove violent criminals from our streets.”

Greg Nolt
Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement

Attorney General Matt Denn today offered support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and its proposed guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. In August of last year, Denn released his own plan to address substance use disorders in Delaware, which included a proposal to more tightly regulate the steps that health care providers must take before prescribing opiates.

The link between prescription drug abuse and heroin abuse has been recognized by the CDC, and as Attorney General Denn wrote in support of the guidelines, Delaware’s medical providers recently ranked highest in the country in high-dose opioid pain relievers per 100 people, and second highest in the country in long-acting/extended relief opioid pain relievers per 100 people.

In order to make a stronger impact in the battle against substance abuse disorders, and help prevent more opioid and heroin related deaths, Denn encouraged the CDC to finalize the guidelines after reviewing public comment.

Information about the proposed guidelines can be found at Regulations.gov.

Read Attorney General Denn’s comments on the CDC Guidelines here.

“Operation Son Sun” investigation concludes with convictions of leaders of one of Delaware’s largest heroin trafficking organizations.

Joined by the local and federal law enforcement agencies who successfully worked together to bring down one of the largest heroin trafficking organizations in Delaware history, Attorney General Matt Denn announced Thursday that the prosecutions of “Operation Son Sun” defendants had concluded with guilty adjudications for 46 defendants and multiple-decade sentences for the leaders of the organization.

The successful prosecutions were highlighted by the recent sentencings of Andrew “Rock” Lloyd, 32, of Wilmington and Antoine “Flock” Miller, 35, of Wilmington.  Lloyd led one of the largest heroin trafficking organizations in Delaware history before it was shut down in December 2014, after a multi-agency investigation. Known as “Operation Son Sun,” the investigation included the Delaware Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Wilmington Office (DEA), the Wilmington Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New Castle County Police Department, the Division of Probation and Parole, the Newark Police Department, and the Delaware State Police.

The final indictment charging 46 people was handed down on December 22, 2014.  One year later, all 46 persons indicted have pled guilty or been convicted of criminal offenses.  Lloyd was sentenced to 25 years in prison, followed by probation for charges of organized crime and racketeering, six counts of Tier Five heroin possession, six counts of Tier Four drug dealing heroin, drug dealing with an aggravating factor, Tier One drug possession with an aggravating factor, possession of drug paraphernalia, and eight counts of second degree conspiracy.  Miller was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by probation for charges of organized crime and racketeering, Tier Five heroin possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of second degree conspiracy.

“The successful resolutions to these cases sends a strong message that we will seek to prosecute not just the street-level dealers, but the organizational heads of drug-dealing operations in our state,” said Attorney General Matt Denn. “These racketeering cases are notoriously hard to put together and present, and the fact that we were able to get convictions is in large part a credit to the front-line law enforcement work that was done.”

“The cases brought against this criminal enterprise demonstrates the strength of law enforcement’s dedication to stopping dangerous criminals in New Castle County.  This isn’t the end game for the FBI or our law enforcement partners.  We are continuing to go after the criminals who are creating violence and fear in our communities,” said Kevin Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Delaware.

“Andrew Lloyd and his associates were responsible for distributing large amounts of heroin and crack cocaine in Wilmington, Delaware. They destroyed numerous lives as a result of their drug-trafficking activities and were responsible for numerous shootings in furtherance of these same activities,” said Gary Tuggle, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division.  “Joint investigations such as this, where we worked with our local, state, and federal law enforcement counterparts on a case that leads to this many arrests, drug, and firearms seizures has resulted in a significant increase in the quality of life for the residents of Wilmington.”

“Our hope is that the communities impacted by these folks are safer communities today because they were arrested and successfully prosecuted,” said Col. Nathaniel McQueen, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “It again shows what can be done when we all work together, and the folks that benefit from our working together are those impacted communities that we serve every day.”

“This operation was a multi-agency effort to combat drug sales throughout the state and the many communities within New Castle County,” said Col. Elmer Setting, Chief of the New Castle County Police. “The New Castle County Police were glad to assist in this operation with all of our resources needed to successfully put these individuals out of the drug sales business. This is empirical evidence of how all police agencies in the state can work together to accomplish a similar goal.”

“We continue to aggressively address crime through a multi-faceted approach including working together with local, State, and federal agencies to arrest and prosecute those individuals who are committing violent crimes in our city,” said Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings

“We appreciate the cooperation and partnership from the other law enforcement agencies that took part in this investigation, and we will continue our collaborative efforts to arrest and prosecute those who commit senseless acts of violence,” Denn said. “From the DOJ, I want to thank and commend Deputy Attorneys General Mark Denney, Julie Finocchiaro, Caterina Gatto, and John S. Taylor who handled the cases against all of the co-defendants. The prosecutors had a tremendous support team in paralegal Stefania Iannocco, administrative assistants Shannon Daniels, Tonya Kinsey, and Evelyn Davis and case processing unit members Diane Madric, Sandra Colicchio and Jeanne Kenney. I also want to recognize Kathy Jennings, our State Prosecutor, and Joe Grubb, the New Castle County Prosecutor, for the roles they played as well in these cases.”

Wilmington, DE – Building on ongoing efforts in the state to address the addiction epidemic, Governor Markell was joined by White House officials today to announce federal funding to support a new initiative that will partner law enforcement officers and public health officials to address heroin and prescription drug abuse. (Full release below) The announcement comes less than one week after Governor Markell detailed the state’s priorities for the $4.45 million in new resources provided by the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.

Through his budget proposals of the past two years, the Governor has successfully led efforts to expand access to treatment, including through the opening of a new withdrawal management clinic to serve the southern part of the state, and better match withdrawal services to individual needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Today’s announcement complements that work.

________________________________________
Monday, August 17, 2015 CONTACT:
ONDCP Public Affairs: 202-395-6618
Mediainquiry@ondcp.eop.gov

White House Drug Policy Office Funds Delaware High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
New HIDTA County in Delaware Will Be Part of 15 State Partnership on Heroin

Wilmington, DE – Today, Michael Botticelli, Director of National Drug Control Policy, announced federal funding for Delaware as part of a new law enforcement and public health initiative to address heroin and prescription drug abuse. The funding comes through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, to which New Castle County was designated last year by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

$2.5 million will fund the Heroin Response Strategy, an unprecedented partnership among five regional HIDTA programs — Appalachia, New England, Philadelphia/Camden (of which New Castle County is now a member), New York/New Jersey, and Washington/Baltimore — to address the severe heroin threat facing those communities through public health-public safety partnerships across 15 states.

“The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program helps Federal, state, and local authorities to coordinate drug enforcement operations, support prevention efforts and improve public health and safety,” said Director Botticelli.  “The new Heroin Response Strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to address the heroin and prescription opioid epidemic as both a public health and a public safety issue. This Administration will continue to expand community-based efforts to prevent drug use, pursue ‘smart on crime’ approaches to drug enforcement, increase access to treatment, work to reduce overdose deaths, and support the millions of Americans in recovery.”

“While we need to do more to stop the flow of drugs into our cities, suburbs and rural areas, we know we cannot arrest our way out of this health crisis,” said Governor Jack Markell. “In order to truly reduce the number of people and families impacted by addiction, we must convince active users that treatment is available, it does work, and they can recover and thrive. This federal funding will support ongoing efforts in Delaware to address the addiction epidemic and we are grateful for the support of Director Botticelli, along with the tireless advocacy of Delaware’s Congressional delegation.”

“New Castle County is not immune to the heroin epidemic, and this program will help law enforcement combat this problem that affects communities all across the country,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck effort to seek out the root causes and fix them. It is through partnerships with law enforcement, the community, and other cities across the country that real change can happen and this program will help to make that change a reality.”

“The addition of New Castle County to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program strengthens existing efforts in Delaware,” said U.S. Congressman John Carney. “This investment will help provide much-needed resources for us to better address heroin and prescription drug abuse. I appreciate the Administration’s commitment to ending this epidemic, and I look forward to continuing to work together at the local, regional, and federal level to combat drug abuse and strengthen our communities.”

Background on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program

Created by Congress in 1988, the HIDTA program serves as a catalyst for coordination among Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States. Law enforcement organizations working within HIDTAs assess drug-trafficking issues and design specific initiatives to decrease the production, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of drugs and money laundering. There are currently 28 HIDTAs located in 48 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

Today, the Office of National Drug Control Policy announced a total of $13.4 million in funding for HIDTA programs across the country.

Background on the 15-State Heroin Response Strategy:

The Heroin Response Strategy will foster a collaborative network of public health-public safety partnerships to address the heroin/opioid epidemic from multiple perspectives. The Strategy will enhance the efficacy and efficiency of the criminal intelligence process in support of cooperative law enforcement operations. The five HIDTAs will create a 15-state network of experienced, connected law enforcement contacts and leverage these connections and information-gathering capabilities with a strong, complementary, analytical capacity.

The five HIDTAs will select two centrally located Regional Coordinators, one with a public health focus and the other with a public safety focus, who will manage and oversee implementation and operation of the Heroin Response Teams. The Public Health Coordinator will oversee regional reporting of fatal and non-fatal overdose information and issuing of relevant alerts regarding dangerous batches of heroin and other heroin-related threats to health authorities. This will mobilize a rapid public health response to distribute naloxone or expand resources in the affected areas, helping to mitigate the number of overdoses and prevent deaths. The Public Safety Coordinator will oversee execution of public safety goals by ensuring case support is provided where needed and intelligence is being disseminated to relevant law enforcement authorities to enable disruption of the heroin supply.

A heroin and prescription opioid training curriculum will be developed and used to prepare rural and municipal officers and first responders who are inexperienced responding to heroin and prescription opioid-related incidents. To assist communities in coping with this escalating problem, the five HIDTAs will develop Education & Training strategies that will increase awareness of heroin and opiate addiction, create linkages to available prevention and treatment resources in the respective regions, and enable first-responders to know how to report all pertinent lead information developed from seizures and overdose responses.

The Heroin Response Strategy builds upon the successes of the 2014 symposium hosted by the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA.  Each year, the five HIDTAs will host two, two-day State of the Region symposia at a jointly nominated HIDTA.  These symposia will build additional structure within each respective HIDTA region for the attendees to maintain regular contact and continue their public health-public safety partnerships between symposia. The aim will be to facilitate collaboration between public health and public safety partners within and across jurisdictions, sharing best practices, innovative pilots, and identifying new opportunities to leverage resources.

Background on the Administration’s National Drug Policy

The Obama Administration’s drug policy treats the national drug challenge as a public health issue, not just a criminal justice issue.  This approach is built upon the latest scientific research demonstrating that addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that can be successfully prevented and treated, and from which one can recover.

The Administration has directed Federal agencies to expand community-based efforts to prevent drug use before it begins, empower healthcare workers to intervene early at the first signs of a substance use disorder, expand access to treatment for those who need it, support the millions of Americans in recovery, and pursue “smart on crime” approaches to drug enforcement.

For more information about the Office of National Drug Control Policy, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp

For information on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/high-intensity-drug-trafficking-areas-program

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