BALTIMORE, MD (January 23, 2018) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh today issued the following statement:
“Governor Hogan often issues a press release saying he has ‘directed’ us to do something after we have asked for his approval. As he has done here.
“The Consumer Protection Division is already involved in ongoing investigations and actions against manufacturers and distributors of opioids. We have multiple attorneys working tirelessly to advance these efforts. Our Criminal Division has prioritized combatting the heroin epidemic by focusing on dismantling the most dangerous drug organizations across the State. Since its inception in 2015, the Organized Crime Unit has indicted dozens of drug traffickers. The Unit, in coordination with local, State, and federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, is currently investigating dozens more cases. We simply do not have sufficient resources, however, given the enormity and urgency of this effort.
“To continue to wage war against this epidemic, the Office of Attorney General requested four additional positions—two in our Consumer Protection Division and two in our Criminal Division. Our request was denied by the Governor.”