DEA SET TO ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH HEROIN, R/x ABUSE, VIOLENT CRIME

Pittsburgh announcement to kick-off national model

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Special Agent in Charge Gary Tuggle of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division announced today that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will be the first city in the nation where the DEA will implement a new comprehensive strategy to address prescription opioid abuse, heroin use, and violent crime.

A news conference announcing Pittsburgh’s selection as the first pilot city for the DEA’s new strategy is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10th between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, located at 700 Cumberland Woods Drive in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Speakers at the announcement include:

Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Philadelphia Field Division
U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton, Western District of Pennsylvania
Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald
Bridge to Hope Family Member

The goals of the new strategy include stopping the deadly cycle of prescription opioid and heroin abuse by eliminating the drug trafficking organizations and gangs fueling violence on the streets and addiction in communities. The strategy will also include partnering with healthcare professionals and engaging and strengthening community and social service organizations that are best positioned to provide long-term help and support for building drug-free communities.

National partners who are participating in the DEA’s new strategy include the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Pennsylvania, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, DEA Educational Foundation, U.S. Department of Justice’s Violence Reduction Network, The Elks Club, U.S. Department of Health & Humans Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.

Members of the media wishing to attend the press conference are asked to contact DEA Public Information Officer/Special Agent Patrick J. Trainor by Monday, November 9th at either (215) 852-8740 or patrick.j.trainor@usdoj.gov.