Avenues Recovery, a leading addiction rehab center in New Hampshire, is pleased to announce a significant development in drug enforcement. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art laboratory in Londonderry, New Hampshire. This facility, the DEA's eighth regional lab, is poised to play a crucial role in advancing drug investigations throughout New England.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on August 28, 2024, was attended by U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire Jane Young, representatives from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and local officials from Londonderry. The new lab will focus on drug chemistry and latent fingerprint identification, and is expected to employ over 50 people once fully operational. It will significantly bolster the DEA’s capability to analyze more than 5,000 drug exhibits annually.
Currently, a temporary lab in Manchester has been crucial in enabling the DEA Manchester District Office to respond quickly to drug threats, including seizing over 100 pounds of fentanyl this year—equivalent to nearly 4.7 million potentially deadly doses. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized that the new lab will enhance the agency's ability to analyze evidence from drug seizures and stay ahead of emerging drug threats. “Modern forensic laboratories staffed by highly trained chemists help protect our communities,” Milgram said.
According to a press release on the DEA website, the new facility is expected to accelerate drug investigations and aid in dismantling drug trafficking organizations more efficiently. Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau highlighted the lab's role in providing timely analysis and supporting law enforcement efforts across New England and upstate New York. “This state-of-the-art laboratory will serve the entire New England region with quick analysis on seizures,” Belleau stated.
The DEA's new lab comes at a crucial time as the U.S. faces an ongoing drug crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatal drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, with fentanyl involved in over 70% of these deaths. The new lab will contribute to combating this crisis by providing faster forensic analysis and supporting ongoing investigations.
Scheduled to open in April 2026, the Londonderry lab is a significant step forward in the DEA’s strategy to enhance its forensic capabilities. GSA Region 1 Public Buildings Service Commissioner Glenn C. Rotondo expressed pride in supporting the project, noting that it will assist the DEA in optimizing its mission. DEA Deputy Assistant Administrator Scott Oulton also highlighted the importance of the lab, stating, “Breaking ground in New Hampshire has been years in the making,” and will expand the DEA’s forensic reach across the country.
The new facility was funded through the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act and represents a crucial advancement in the fight against the synthetic drug epidemic, promising to deliver critical support for drug investigations and enhance public safety across the region.
If you or your loved one are struggling with a drug addiction, know that there is hope. Our caring and compassionate staff have helped thousands of people overcome their addictions and they can help you too! Reach out today to receive the support you deserve.