United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LONDONDERRY, N.H. —The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was joined today by U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire Erin Creegan, representatives from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the New Hampshire Department of Safety, the Town of Londonderry, and members of the New Hampshire federal congressional delegation to officially open the new DEA New England Laboratory in Londonderry, marking the completion of a state-of-the-art forensic facility. The lab will strengthen the agency’s ability to analyze drug evidence and identify emerging threats across the region. Londonderry will serve as the central location for analyzing DEA fingerprint evidence from across the country.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates the completion of a project years in the making and the beginning of operations at the 50,000-square-foot facility. The laboratory will support DEA investigations throughout New England and beyond.

The New England Laboratory can accommodate 79 employees, including forensic chemists, Friction Ridge Examiners specializing in latent fingerprint identification, and support personnel. The facility provides specialized forensic capabilities in drug chemistry and latent print analysis, allowing DEA to conduct critical evidence examinations closer to where investigations are taking place. The facility is expected to process and analyze more than twenty-thousand chemistry and fingerprint specimens each year.

“The opening of the DEA New England Laboratory marks a significant advancement in our ability to support drug investigations across New England and up state New York,” said DEA Northeast Associate Chief of Operations Frank Tarentino. “Having these state-of-the-art forensic capabilities here in the region means our Special Agents and law enforcement partners can get critical laboratory results faster, allowing investigators to identify dangerous substances, connect evidence to criminal activity, and develop investigative leads more efficiently. As the illicit drug landscape continues to evolve, our ability to quickly identify emerging substances and understand what is appearing in our communities is critical and time sensitive. This new laboratory brings those resources closer to the investigations they support and strengthens our ability to identify, target, and dismantle the drug trafficking organizations responsible for poisoning our neighbors, and loved ones.”

The New England Laboratory is the DEA’s eighth regional laboratory and expands the agency’s ability to conduct timely forensic analysis in a region that has seen significant threats from fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs. The facility includes a state-of-the-art laboratory space dedicated to forensic chemistry and latent print analysis.

Rapid forensic analysis plays a critical role in drug investigations. Laboratory results can help investigators identify substances, establish the composition and potency of seized drugs, link evidence to criminal activity, and identify new and emerging drug threats. That information can provide prosecutors with critical scientific evidence to support criminal cases, while also offering real-time intelligence to help identify and track potential overdose trends.

“Today, we open DEA's New England Laboratory as a commitment to the American people,” said DEA Chief of Forensics Esther Chege. “This laboratory is a promise that the men and women of the DEA will bring the full power of forensics to the frontline in defense of American lives and deliver a Fentanyl Free America. Here in New Hampshire, New England, and beyond, DEA Forensics is committed to serve and deliver advanced, reliable and timely forensic information promoting public safety and health. Our science saves lives."

The laboratory was designed to support both the current needs of the DEA and the agency’s long-term forensic mission. Its location in southern New Hampshire currently provides greater access to forensic services for DEA investigations throughout New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The project was delivered one month ahead of schedule and under budget, providing the DEA with a modern facility while maximizing the resources provided for the project. The building also achieved LEED Silver Certification, reflecting its incorporation of sustainable design and building practices. The U.S. General Services Administration(GSA)partnered with DEA throughout the project to deliver the new leased facility.

“GSA’s mission is to deliver the facilities, services, and solutions federal agencies need to serve the public effectively,” said GSA Assistant Commissioner Glenn C. Rotondo. “The completion of this laboratory demonstrates that mission in action. We are proud to support DEA with a high-performing, purpose-built facility that will enhance forensic analysis, bolster investigative capabilities, and contribute to safer communities.”

The New England Laboratory builds upon DEA’s nationwide forensic science capabilities. DEA regional laboratories analyze drug evidence submitted by DEA, FBI, ATF, DHS, and state and local law enforcement partners. By expanding forensic capacity and strategically locating laboratory resources, DEA can reduce the time required to transport and analyze evidence and provide investigative teams with critical information more quickly.

The New England Laboratory was funded through federal appropriations secured through the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The completed facility now serves as a permanent center for DEA forensic operations in the region.

With its expanded workforce, specialized laboratories, secure evidence storage, training capabilities, and modern support infrastructure, the New England Laboratory will play an important role in DEA’s continuing efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations, identify emerging threats, and protect communities throughout the region.