CAC Meeting: Greg Lannes Speaks About Teen Heroin Use

Fairfax County Police Department - Sully District Station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA | Get Directions »
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In 2008, Greg Lannes’ daughter Alicia died from a heroin overdose.  The investigation into her death lead to a joint task force from FCPD, FBI and US Attorney’s Office.  The task force called “Operation Smack down” resulted in the arrest and federal conviction of 16 members of the “Centreville Drug Ring”.  One year later, another 38 were arrested on drug ring conspiracy charges in western FFX and Prince William counties.  Western Fairfax is not immune from the increasing drug and alcohol issues which include prescription and designer drugs plaguing our communities.

In response to the identification of a number of young people involved with the drug and alcohol abuse, concerned citizens came together to discuss ideas and to consider an organized response to the use of alcohol and other drug use in Fairfax County.  Recent tragic consequences include death by overdose, chemical dependence, long term incarceration, the potential of young lives lost and immeasurable pain to many.   Greg Lannes, along with other concerned citizens helped form a community coalition called “PROTECT” (Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together), organized in January 2009, to develop community action to combat alcohol and drug use. The group consists of various citizens and government agency staff.  PROTECT members include those directly affected by drug use, family members, PTA members, school-community coalition members, and staff of Alcohol and Drug Services, Fairfax County Public Schools; FCPD; Juvenile Court; and Department of Family Services. 

Mr. Lannes will speak to the Tragedy of Adolescent Drug Use, Critical Need for Parent Awareness and Early intervention, and How a Community can Support Drug and Alcohol Prevention.  Please note,  Adolescent substance use is not limited to one area of the county, to one or two schools or to a certain kind of family.  Every child and every family is at risk and it takes citizens and government working together to tackle this public health threat. 

Refreshments will be served.