United States Drug Enforcement Administration

PHILADELPHIA – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration is launching its second year of Operation Engage, a comprehensive community-level approach to address the drug epidemic through prevention strategies, facilitating conversations and collaboration with local partners.  The Philadelphia Field Division’s proposal was one of 11 approved for continued funding for 2022 and will apply our Operation Engage resources on our top local drug threat, illicit fentanyl in Philadelphia, focusing on evidence-informed substance use prevention and community outreach efforts.  We will also continue to address drug trafficking, violence, and crime reduction in this community.

“As illicit fentanyl continues to have a devastating effect across Philadelphia and the nation at large, DEA’s enforcement mission of targeting the most dangerous drug traffickers and organizations is more crucial than ever,” said Thomas Hodnett, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division.  “However, equally as important is DEA supporting local drug use prevention efforts and bridging public safety and public health efforts to keep our communities safe.”  

The goals of Operation Engage are to:

• Identify local drug threat enforcement priorities and substance use trends;
  • Support and contribute to local substance use prevention efforts; and
  • Bridge local public safety and public health efforts

The objectives are to:

• Connect DEA field offices with the communities they serve;
• Leverage DEA intelligence to build awareness of local drug threats;
• Raise awareness of local drug threats and change attitudes to reduce substance misuse; and
• Support local drug-free community coalitions, public health and prevention leaders to aid and ensure lasting success

For more information and local resources, visit Operation Engage Philadelphia (dea.gov) as well as the national page: www.OperationEngage.com.

#   #   #