Andy Kravetz, Journal Star
LaHood, R-Peoria, asked Michael Botticelli, the head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, last month for the local forum because of the rise in overdose deaths in the area. He also cited how just last year, 20 pounds of heroin and more than 226 pounds of pharmaceutical and other opiate-based drugs were seized in the 18th Congressional District, which covers Peoria and Springfield.
“More Americans die annually from drug overdoses than they do motor vehicle crashes every year (sic), and the number of opioid-related deaths is only growing, especially in Illinois,” LaHood said Thursday in a statement. “These alarming and accelerating tragedies necessitate action and merit our further investigation and attention.” (Read the letter here)
