Crime Subcommittee to Examine America’s Growing Heroin Epidemic

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine America’s growing heroin epidemic.

Over the past year, heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States has an estimated 600,000 heroin users, which is three times the number in 2012. The sharp rise in heroin use is partly attributable to the related problem of prescription drug addiction since many prescription drugs are opioids and cause a similar effect on the body.  However, prescription pills are expensive on the illicit market, and it is much cheaper, once addicted to opioids, for an addict to turn to heroin. 

Additionally, the growing availability of heroin trafficked into the United States from Mexico is also a significant concern.  Drug cartels have noticed the rise in heroin use and have begun trafficking more heroin and methamphetamine into the United States.  Since 2009, heroin seizures along the border have nearly tripled, as law enforcement seized 2,181 kilograms of Mexican heroin last year alone. 

At the hearing, members of the Crime Subcommittee will examine this alarming trend and discuss possible solutions to addressing this growing problem. Witnesses for this hearing are:

• The Honorable Michael Botticelli, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy;
• Mr. John (“Jack”) Riley, Acting Deputy Administrator for the Drug Enforcement Administration;
• Ms. Nancy G. Parr, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Chesapeake, Virginia; and
• Ms. Angela R. Pacheco, First Judicial District Attorney, Santa Fe, New Mexico

This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at /.