United States Drug Enforcement Administration

(BALTIMORE) - On December 3rd and 4th, the DEA Baltimore District Office, in collaboration with the Saint Margret’s Middle School, located in Harford County, Maryland, hosted a two day parent and student symposium detailing the dangers of abusing pharmaceutical medications “pain pills” and synthetic drugs. Guest speakers included, Supervisory Special Agent Shawn Ellerman and Special Agent Brian M. Stine. The purpose of this event was to educate and inform parents and students as to DEA’s mission and enforcement activities throughout the United States, as well as, regional and local areas surrounding Harford County, Maryland. Additionally, the presenter focused on the most recent trends regarding pharmaceutical diversion/abuse and synthetic drug distribution within the Baltimore metropolitan areas.  This event also provided parents with information regarding the identification of pharmaceuticals, most commonly abused pills/drugs, signs and symptoms of drug abuse and resources for obtaining help for those addicted to medications and/or synthetic drugs.