United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAS VEGAS -- As the nation struggles to deal with the opioid epidemic many on the frontlines, such as law enforcement, are looking for innovative ways to tackle the opioid crisis that killed approximately 72,000 Americans in 2017, which is higher than car crashes and gun deaths. In Clark County alone there were approximately 717 overdose deaths in 2019. In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic the DEA Las Vegas Office announced at a press conference on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, a new opioid strategy called the “360 Strategy”. DEA Las Vegas is the 21st city to be part of this comprehensive law enforcement and prevention program designed to help cities across the nation deal with the heroin and prescription drug abuse epidemic. The 360 opioid strategy is a new and innovative way for the DEA to continue to lead the fight against opioid addiction and overdose deaths in Las Vegas.  DEA agents will be partnering with community stakeholders such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, local and state law enforcement, health care providers, clergy, medical professionals, educators, rehabilitation centers, and other community leaders to jointly fight the scourge of opioids.

As a designated 360 opioid strategy city, the DEA will be expending a large amount of resources to battle opioids.  Nevertheless, the DEA cannot win this battle alone. The 360 strategy will connect the DEA with prominent community stakeholders as part of a comprehensive three-prong approach, involving (1) a coordinated law enforcement operation targeting all levels of drug trafficking organizations and violent gangs supplying drugs to our neighborhoods; (2) engaging drug manufacturers, wholesalers, practitioners, and pharmacists through Diversion Control to increase awareness of the opioid epidemic and encourage responsible prescribing practices, and use of opioid painkillers throughout the medical community; and, (3) community outreach and partnership with local organizations following enforcement operations, equipping and empowering communities to fight the opioid epidemic.

“The DEA 360 Strategy program will bring the community of Las Vegas together to combat the abuse of opioids and bring awareness to this important issue that is impacting everyone in our community,” said DEA Las Vegas Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dan Neill. “We know we can’t do this alone and through our strategic partnerships with the community, along with diversion and law enforcement actions we hope to have a meaningful impact and save lives.” 

For more information please visit https://www.dea.gov/360-strategy or contact Public Information Officer Nicole Nishida at (571) 387-3136 or Nicole.K.Nishida@usdoj.gov.

List of 360 Strategy Stakeholders:

Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment & Research, Inc., Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino & Victoria’s Voice, Clark County School District, Las Vegas Raiders, UFC, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, Las Vegas Metro Police Department, Henderson Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, Clark County School District Police Department, Clark County Fire Department, Eighth Judicial District Court, Dept. 9, Clark County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada, Attorney General’s Office, State of Nevada, DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Hakkassan Group, United States Marshal – District of Nevada, Nevada State Assembly, U.S. Department of Justice, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Nevada Department of Health & Human Services, Nevada State Elks Association, DEA Educational Foundation / DEA Youth Dance Program, CADCA – Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, PACT Coalition, CARE Coalition, A Bright Idea Advertising & Public Relations, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids/Center on Addiction, The Milken Institute, Lions Club International Foundation, Mentor Foundation, Discovery Education (Operation Prevention), Field Vision Productions.