News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2005

PDFNJ & DEA Launch Joint Drug
Prevention Public Service Campaign

JUL 21 -- (Hoboken) - Angelo Valente, Executive Director of The Partnership for Drug Free New Jersey and Michael Pasterchick, Jr., Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the New Jersey Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today joined officials from the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to unveil a new Public Service Campaign today focusing on heroin.

The campaign, entitled "Heroin - An Equal Opportunity Killer" depicts three populations, suburban teenagers, college students, and young professionals, all groups who are not popularly thought to be heroin users, yet have shown increased usage over recent years. The Public Service Announcements are currently placed on over 1200 interior locations on New Jersey Transit Buses and PATH trains. A sample of the ad is attached."The DEA is committed to using all of its resources in order to combat illegal drug use and abuse, we are committed informing and educating the public about the dangers of heroin," said SAC Pasterchick. "The New Jersey Division of the DEA is proud to work with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to bring innovative substance abuse awareness campaign to thousands of commuters throughout the state."

"Since our inception, we have sought to educate New Jerseyans that there is a real drug problem in our community and it effects us all, no matter where live," said Angelo Valente, PDFNJ Executive Director. "We would like to thank Special Agent in Charge Pasterchick and the men and women of the New Jersey Division of the DEA for their leadership and vision in helping bring this important message to the people of New Jersey."