Press releases

WASHINGTON – The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition has named Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) its Senator of the Year for his support of its mission to fight illegal drugs by equipping narcotics officers and task forces with key resources.

Illegal drugs have become an extremely destructive force in America today, hurting our communities and our men and women serving on the front lines. The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition works tirelessly to protect our communities from the consequences of drug abuse, drug trafficking and violent crime. It’s an incredible honor to support these law enforcement agents and to receive this award,” said Kennedy. 

Kennedy’s DUMP Opioids Act became law this year and allows everyone in a community to use drop boxes at Veterans Affairs medical centers to dispose of unused controlled substance prescription medications.

In 2021, Kennedy introduced the Ending the Fentanyl Crisis Act, which would increase the legal penalties for fentanyl traffickers in proportion to the drug’s potency and make it harder for drug dealers to circulate the substance.  

The same year, he introduced the Tourism District Protection Act to empower local police in tourist areas to combat crime and use funding through the Edward R. Byrne Grant Program.

In 2020, Kennedy helped secure almost $3 million to help Louisiana State Police combat opioid abuse.

In 2019, Kennedy helped secure a $11.7 million grant to help Louisiana understand and prevent opioid overdoses.