DEA establishes new Monmouth/Ocean Task Force
Newark, N.J. – Valerie A. Nickerson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, has announced the official designation of the DEA Monmouth/Ocean County Post of Duty.
“The creation of this new office means the permanent assignment of DEA special agents and task force officers,” said Special Agent in Charge Nickerson. “The office will aim to disrupt the trafficking of narcotics throughout Monmouth and Ocean County. It will also allow for the increased use of federal resources to combat the current heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkiller epidemic that has taken a toll on the area resulting in an unprecedented number of drug overdose fatalities.”
The increased heroin and prescription opioid threat to the Monmouth and Ocean County areas over the past several years led to the creation of this new DEA office. With the establishment of the Post of Duty, additional resources will be dedicated to address the ongoing drug threat plaguing the region.
The Monmouth/Ocean County Post of Duty Task Force is a designated unit within the DEA New Jersey Division that will increase collaboration with other law enforcement agencies operating in the area. This collaboration includes enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, community outreach, and prevention initiatives, and will enhance the partnership between public health and public safety.
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