The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recognizes the public safety protection efforts of Federal Wildlife Officers who in 2020 successfully led the seizure of 13,615 pounds of illegal narcotics on national wildlife refuges. The 2020 street value of the seizures was $43 million — 17 times more than in 2019, which was $2.5 million. The Trump Administration has made it a priority to end the drug overdose epidemic that kills approximately 70,000 Americans each year.
“Federal Wildlife Officers successfully stopped thousands of pounds of deadly narcotics from reaching our communities this year, and they continue to serve with distinction every day in protecting national wildlife refuges,” said Rob Wallace, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. “The Trump Administration is working day in and day out to protect our citizens from illicit drugs and violence.”
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, is the nation’s largest network of public lands dedicated to wildlife conservation. Federal Wildlife Officers who serve and protect the resources of the Refuge System provide visitors with safe access to wildlife viewing and photography, fishing and hunting activities. These officers are among the most visible and recognizable conservation professionals entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s wildlife refuges while ensuring public safety. They combine resource protection, traditional policing and emergency first response to protect, serve and educate the public and Service staff. This includes stopping illegal narcotics smuggling and possession on Refuge System lands.
“Under the Trump Administration, our law enforcement has been effective in protecting wildlife and habitat and making refuges safe places for staff and visitors while preventing illegal narcotics from further afflicting communities across this nation,” said Service Director Aurelia Skipwith. “I am proud of the Service’s Federal Wildlife Officers and the incredible work they are doing on the
