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Director Kerlikowske meets with President Obama

ONDCP Director Offers Condolences for U.S. Personnel Killed in Afghanistan

"My heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the three DEA Special Agents and 11 U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in Afghanistan on October 26. As the President's advisor on drug policy, I am particularly touched by the sacrifice of Special Agent Chad L. Michael, Special Agent Forrest N. Leamon, and Special Agent Michael E. Weston, of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They exemplified the ideal of brave and selfless service, volunteering for work that by its very nature places Special Agents in harm's way and too often results in tragedy.

These brave law enforcement and military personnel were engaged in a counterdrug operation, and having been a police chief, I know all too well the dangers involved in facing dangerous adversaries who traffic in drugs in our Nation's urban areas, rural terrain, and particularly overseas. I read with great interest and extreme sadness about the lives and careers of Special Agents Michael, Leamon, and Weston and was reminded how very fortunate we are to have people in law enforcement who so fully embody the ideals of service and heroism."

ONDCP Director Declares Legalizing Marijuana a Non-Starter

The Department of Justice earlier this week issued guidelines for Federal prosecutors regarding laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. This prompted a flurry of news reports, analysis and commentary, some arguing that the guidelines could be read as the Federal government's tacit approval of "medical" marijuana. Advocates of marijuana legalization tried to cast the guidelines as a victory, portraying them as a step toward full legalization. Neither of these analyses is correct. View Director R. Gil Kerlikowske's statement.

View the Drug Enforcement Administration's statement.

Guidelines for Disposing of Select Medications

The Food and Drug Administration launched a new Web page with information on how to dispose of certain drugs, including opioids and other controlled substances. The page contains an overview of the issue, FAQs, and disposal recommendations for specific medications. Additional information is available here.

During visit to Denver, CO, Director Kerlikowske gives keynote address outlining approach to preventing drug abuse and visits substance abuse treatment programs

On October 6, Director Kerlikowske gave a keynote address at the 2009 annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Denver, Colorado. Other speakers included Attorney General Eric Holder, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and FBI Director Robert Mueller. While in Denver, the Director also visited the Denver Department of Human Services' EFFECT Program—a program to improve outcomes for children at risk of or in out-of-home-placement as a result of parental/caretaker substance abuse—and the Mile High Council on Substance Abuse and Mental Health. He also received a briefing from the Justice Initiative for Drug Endangered Families about their efforts to collaborate across disciplines.