DEA To Announce Comprehensive Strategy To Address Fentanyl/Heroin Abuse, Opioid Misuse, And Violent Crime In Manchester, NH

Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New England Field Division, announced today that Manchester, New Hampshire, will be the first city in the Northeast where the DEA will implement the new, comprehensive 360 Degree Strategy to address prescription opioid misuse, heroin abuse and violent crime.    

A news conference announcing Manchester’s selection as the first city in the region for the DEA strategy is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, 555 Union Street, Manchester, NH 03104

Moderator Jon C. DeLena, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Manchester District Office

Speakers at the announcement include:

• Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, DEA New England Field Division
• Emily Gray Rice, United States Attorney, District of New Hampshire
• Joseph Foster, Attorney General, State of New Hampshire
• Ted Gatsas, Mayor of Manchester
• James Vara, Governor’s Advisor on Addiction and Behavioral Health
• Nick Willard, Chief of Police, City of Manchester
• William Goodman, MD, MPH, FCCP, Chief Medical Officer and VP Medical Affairs, Catholic Medical Center
• Mary Forsythe-Taber, Executive Director, Makin It Happen Coalition for Resilient Youth
• Tracy Bachert, Parent/Community Volunteer

The goals of the new strategy include stopping the deadly cycle of prescription opioid misuse and heroin abuse by dismantling the drug trafficking organizations and gangs fueling violence on the streets and addiction in communities.  The strategy importantly includes partnerships with healthcare professionals, social service organizations and government service agencies that are best positioned to provide long-term help and support to effectuate drug-free communities.  

Just some of the national and local partners that are participating in the new strategy include the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Attorney General Office, Manchester Police Department, Makin It Happen Coalition, Manchester Boys & Girls Club, Partnership for Drug Free New Hampshire and many others.

Members of the media wishing to attend the press conference are asked to contact DEA Public Information Officer/Special Agent Timothy Desmond by Monday, November 14, at desk (617) 557-2463.

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