Senator Collins Calls for Continued Support from FBI, DEA to Combat Opioid Epidemic in Maine

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Last month, employees of a restaurant in Auburn, Maine, were shocked when they opened a box that they expected to contain mugs that they had ordered, and instead, they found 14 kilograms of fentanyl. That's an amount that is sufficient to kill the entire population of Maine, five times over. Fortunately, the employees immediately called the local police, who are now working with federal partners on what is clearly a major interstate trafficking network.

The FBI and the DEA play a key role, in working with state and local law enforcement partners, in combating drug smuggling, violent crime, and gangs in local communities. Director Wray, we've had the opportunity to discuss the importance of these relationships during your visit to Maine last year, which was very much appreciated. In particular, I'm hoping for continued collaboration and support for the Southern Maine Gang Task Force and the New England Prescription Opioid Task Force, which launched last June to address the illegal opioid prescriptions in Maine and in New Hampshire.

Director Wray and Administrator Milgram, as you implement the budget, will you ensure that these programs receive as much support as possible?

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