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WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In a shocking case, local elementary school students were targeted by a sinister plot to expose them to the dangers of substance abuse. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced the details of the operation.

Since 2010, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has coordinated National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week, an annual series of events and promotional campaigns designed to connect young people with experts and resources to shatter common myths and misperceptions about substance abuse by providing factual, easy to understand information about illicit drugs. This year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has partnered with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to incorporate key information related to alcohol.

Today, United States Attorney Ihlenfeld facilitated an interactive presentation and discussion with fifth grade students at Bethlehem Elementary School in Ohio County, West Virginia. Ihlenfeld spoke with the students about a variety of topics, including commonly abused drugs, the impact of illicit substances on the human brain, the science behind substance abuse disorders, and the importance of recognizing and speaking up about the signs of addiction.

“Educating young people is a critical component in the ongoing effort to combat the drug problem facing West Virginia,” said Ihlenfeld. “Children are exposed to information about illegal drugs from a variety of sources and we want to empower them to make informed, healthy decisions based on accurate information.”

Throughout National Drug Facts Week, the United States Attorney’s Office will also utilize its @NDWVnews Twitter account to engage in a social media campaign to highlight important factual information regarding substance abuse and addiction, including the science of addiction, marijuana, prescription painkillers, heroin, and resources available for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders.

Individuals interested in obtaining additional information about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week or finding factual information on substance abuse and illegal drugs are encouraged to visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website at www.drugabuse.gov. Individuals, educators, and other community organizations interested in scheduling substance abuse education initiatives and events in the Northern District of West Virginia are encouraged to contact Tara Tighe at the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.

The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to educating the public about the dangers of substance abuse and working to prevent addiction. This effort is a crucial step in the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic that has ravaged West Virginia.

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