site arial, salve sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;”>Drug use can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life, healing impact their family, friends and community, and place an enormous burden on society. One of the most significant areas of risk with drug use is the connection between drugs and crime.

Every day, the nation’s law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels use investigative resources to target the supply side in the war against drugs. But even with numerous law enforcement successes in this area, the demand for drugs continues. And one of the more worrisome trends is a growing epidemic of prescription opiate and heroin abuse, especially among young people. Drug abuse is impacting all segments of society. To help raise awareness of this issue the Ventura Police Department will be hosting two community meetings in April.

The first meeting will be held on April 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Community Meeting room of City Hall located at 501 Poli Street in Ventura. The second meeting will be held April 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ventura Police Department located at 1425 Dowell Drive in Ventura.

Street Crimes Detectives will be providing the in depth presentation on the state of drug use and its effects. The presentation is beneficial for residents concerned about crime, safety and prevention efforts.

Participants are asked to RSVP to Ashley Bautista at [email protected] or 805-339-4317.