New Orleans joins Drug Enforcement Administration program

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans has become the 16th city to join a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration initiative to fight heroin and prescription drug abuse.

Local, state and federal law enforcement officials announced the plan Tuesday at New Orleans City Hall.

The news conference also included officials from St. Bernard and Jefferson parishes. Those parishes are joining New Orleans in the DEA pilot program, which has been dubbed the "360 strategy."

The DEA says the program includes continuing law enforcement efforts aimed at drug traffickers and violent gangs. But it also seeks to engage drug manufacturers, marketers and medical professionals to increase awareness of opioid and prescription drug abuse. And it includes outreach efforts aimed at young people in classrooms, homes and after school organizations.