Discussion topics include the Merida Initiative and programs to prevent and treat substance abuse
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Friday will host a meeting with John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and 40 community and law enforcement leaders from southern Arizona.
Topping the agenda will be the Merida Initiative, the U.S. government's multi-year plan to combat illegal narcotics by providing equipment, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in Mexico and Central America. Programs to prevent and treat substance abuse also will be discussed.
As the nation's "Drug Czar," Walters coordinates all aspects of federal drug control programs and spending. He has held the post since Dec. 7, 2001.
Attending the meeting will be leaders from several law enforcement agency in southern Arizona: police officials from Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sierra Vista, Douglas, Bisbee, and Sahuarita; sheriff's officials from Pima and Cochise counties; Border Patrol; Arizona Department of Public Safety; Arizona Department of Homeland Security; Pima County Attorney's Office; and Santa Cruz County Attorney's Office.
Mayors and elected officials from cities and towns in southern Arizona also will attend, as will representatives from community organizations such as the Tucson, Green Valley and Hispanic chambers of commerce. Representing substance abuse treatment and prevention organizations will be officials from COPE, CODAC, COMPASS, Pima Prevention Partnership, and the Meth Free Alliance.
Media planning on covering this discussion should plan to arrive promptly at 11:30 a.m.
WHO: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords hosts a meeting with Drug Czar John Walters and 40 community and law enforcement leaders
WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Friday, May 23
WHERE: First floor conference room, Tucson Police Department, 270 S. Stone