United States Drug Enforcement Administration

(BALTIMORE) -   - The national touring exhibit developed by the Drug Enforcement (DEA) and the DEA Educational Foundation, Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause opens February 11, 2014 at the Maryland Science Center at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. In this interactive exploration of the effects of drugs on both individuals and society, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history and the current science behind drug law enforcement, drug prevention and drug treatment specific to Maryland's local communities.

Experienced by more than 22 million visitors in 9 cities across the country, Target America explains the science behind illegal drug addiction, and the countless costs and consequences of illegal drugs to individuals, American society, and the world. Visitors will experience a drug investigation from start to finish, helping them understand the environmental effects of drugs and what law enforcement, drug abuse education and treatment are doing to break the troubling cycle of drugs and drug-related violence. They will view both an actual South American jungle coca processing lab and a re-created Afghan heroin factory as well as analyze brain-scans in a simulated MRI machine and view real wreckage from a drug-related car accident. A portion of Target America will focus specifically on Maryland and Baltimore, exploring the evolution of heroin abuse and enforcement in the area.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring this important exhibition to Maryland and have it be part of our programming during the school year," says Maryland Science Center President and CEO Van Reiner.

Target America is free for Maryland school groups when visiting on field trips. All Target America activitiesare free with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center.For dates of specific activities, more information and ticket prices, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225.

"This Baltimore, Maryland exhibit will educate both youth and adults of the Mid-Atlantic Region on the devastating effects that drug trafficking and drug use have on our community.  Marylanders will understand that drug enforcement, prevention, and education go hand-in-hand in order to solve the drug abuse and addiction issue," stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl Colder.

Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, The U.S. National Guard, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, The Office of National Drug Control Policy and The Partnership for a Drug Free America. -

About the Maryland Science Center
- Named one of Parents Magazine's Top 10 Science Centers in America, the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore makes science understandable and fun for more than 500,000 visitors a year. The Maryland Science Center inspires, fascinates, motivates and engages children and adults with dozens of interactive exhibits, traveling exhibitions, original presentations in the world-famous Davis Planetarium, larger-than-life movies in the five-story St. John Properties IMAX Theater, and hundreds of hands-on programs delivered throughout the state each year.  For more information, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org.

About the DEA Traveling Museum: Target America -
Target America began its national tour in 2002 and comes to Baltimore with a section specific to Maryland. The "Maryland Story" looks at the history of drug trends and law enforcement's responses in Maryland over recent decades and gives visitors the chance to take part in a surveillance operation and get an inside view of the technology law enforcement uses in drug investigations.
A coalition of corporate, foundation, and individual sponsors brings Target America to Baltimore.  The exhibit was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The Center for Substance Abuse (CSAP), The National Institute on Drug (NIDA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and The Partnership for a Drug Free America.  It premiered September 11, 2002 at the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia and has since inspired over 22 million visitors in Dallas, Omaha, New York City, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and most recently in Tampa.  For more information, visit www.targetamerica.org.