(WASHINGTON, DC) – On Wednesday, May 10, at 10:30 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser will highlight the Metropolitan Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) for their success in getting illegal drugs and unregistered guns off the streets. As a sector in the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division, NEU was established to transition from targeting low-level drug users to focus efforts on narcotics suppliers who distributed drugs in DC communities. Since 2015, NEU is credited with recovering illegal firearms and confiscating a variety of drugs, including: synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Since taking office two years ago, Mayor Bowser’s top priority has been to ensure the safety of all DC residents, including decreases in homicides, robberies, and assaults with dangerous weapons. Mayor Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal includes $11.7 million in enhancements focused on recruiting and retaining MPD officers, $42.2 million for the purchase of new MPD fleet vehicles, and increased opportunities for officers to return to patrol-related duties.

WHO:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Chief Peter Newsham, Metropolitan Police Department
Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor, Public Safety and Justice
Andrew Struhar, Lieutenant, Metropolitan Police Department, Narcotics and Special Investigations Division/ Narcotics Enforcement Unit
 
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 10, at 10:30 am
 
WHERE:
Metropolitan Police Department
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Line-up Room (Third Floor) 
*Closest Metro: Judiciary Square Metro Station*