United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MANCHESTER, NH – Today, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration launched a comprehensive law enforcement and prevention initiative aimed at reducing drug use, abuse and overdose deaths. “Operation Engage” allows participating field divisions to focus on the biggest drug threat and resulting violence in their respective geographic areas. The initiative builds on and replaces DEA’s 360 Strategy, which aimed its resources specifically at opioids, and allows field divisions to customize plans and direct resources to target the drug that presents the greatest threat to public health and safety in their jurisdictions. The New England Division is one of eleven participating field divisions in year one and will focus its Operation Engage efforts on methamphetamine and fentanyl in and around communities of Manchester, NH. 

“Drug dealers are now pushing methamphetamine in New Hampshire to counter the paralyzing lows of opioid use and all of a sudden, these two worlds have collided,” said DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Jon DeLena. “As methamphetamine seizures are on the rise DEA stands committed to keeping this highly addictive drug out of the Granite State.  DEA under Op Engage will identify and impact the local drug threat, support and contribute to local drug prevention efforts, and bridge public safety and public health threats in Manchester.” 

The goals of Operation Engage are to: 

• Identifying the drugs that affect individuals and families in the designated areas
• Identifying evidence-informed strategies that best fit community needs
• Identifying and eliminate local drug threats in every field division
• Build on the success of DEA 360 and expand Operation Engage nationwide in 2022
• Support and contribute to local drug use prevention efforts
• Bridge local public safety and public health efforts 

Recent statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control show an alarming rise in drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids driving record-high fatalities. The vast majority of deaths involve illicitly manufactured fentanyl, including fentanyl analogs.  There has also been an increase in availability of methamphetamine, which is linked to violent crime. DEA works every day to target and take down the drug trafficking organizations flooding American communities with these illegal drugs. But confronting this public health crisis requires a strategy to reduce demand in those communities. 

DEA works every day to target and take down the drug trafficking organizations flooding American communities with illegal drugs. But confronting this public health crisis requires a strategy to reduce demand in those communities. 

The Operation Engage initiative encourages partnerships with healthcare professionals, as well as engagement with community and social service organizations best positioned to provide long-term assistance and support for building drug-free communities.   

For more information, visit the Operation Engage webpage www.operationengage.com 

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