Task force tackles Rx
drug abuse
Updated: Monday, 08 Jun 2009, 1:06 PM MDT
Published : Monday, 08 Jun 2009, 12:49 PM MDT
- Reporter: Kaitlin McCarthy
- Web Producer: Devon Armijo
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem and Albuquerque law enforcement is teaming up with federal agencies to fight it.
The officers on the Tactical Diversion Squad said they believe this problem must be dealt with head on for the good of the entire community.
The squad will include the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Their mission is to combat the rising use of prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals, especially among teens.
They believe teens may be more susceptible because they don’t believe prescription drugs are as dangerous as other drugs.
Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Shultz pointed to a recent incident that happened in Albuquerque.
“Last month we did have a very tragic case in Albuquerque, in which two kids with one of the parents of one of the children was experimenting with fentanyl and had an overdose and that child lost his life,” Schultz said.
Officers also want to educate parents, so they know how to talk to their kids about the dangers of pharmaceuticals and so they know the warning signs to watch out for.
The DEA is funding the task force; APD and the Sheriff’s Office are providing the officers.