The mission of the Manchester Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit is to disrupt the trafficking of illicit drugs, gang activity and vice related crimes to include prostitution, bookmaking and gambling. This is accomplished through intelligence gathering and initiating investigations into organizations and individuals involved in this activity.

The goal of SIU is to create the perception within the criminal element that the City of Manchester is an unattractive and risky place to conduct criminal activity, through aggressive enforcement of the controlled drug statute and vice laws.  On average this unit is responsible for the arrest of nearly 100 drug related arrests per year in addition to the recovery of numerous firearms.

SIU also partners with federal agencies to include the Drug Enforcement Agency's HIDTA Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation SSTF to provide the assistance and resources necessary to accomplish this goal.

Drug Facts - What You Need To Know

You hear about drugs on TV and in the movies, on the radio, in books and magazines, on the Internet, and in daily conversation with friends and peers. Some of the information is accurate, but a lot of it is not.

Here are a few realities to consider:

• You can’t predict the effect that a drug can have on you—especially if it’s the first time you try it, and even if it’s a small amount or dose. Everyone's brain and body chemistry are different. Everyone's tolerance for drugs is different.
• Using drugs can lead to abuse, addiction, serious health problems, and even death.
• Drugs that are legal—prescription and over-the counter (OTC) medications—can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.

Find out as much as you can about illegal and legal drugs and their effects on your body and brain. The more informed you are, the more confidently you can make the right decision about drugs.

Read DEA’s Drug Fact Sheets for the latest information on the following substances: