U.S. DEA intensifies operations to combat substance abuse at 2026 World Cup

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has announced that the agency will deploy additional resources to tackle drug abuse during the period of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement on Thursday, the agency reassured its commitment to keep thousands of fans attending the tournament across different venues in the United States away from drug poisonings.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off today, bringing thousands of fans together to celebrate the world’s biggest soccer event. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) remains committed to helping keep host cities safe and preventing accidental drug poisoning.
“Through coordinated enforcement, targeted education, and proactive outreach, the DEA works to protect communities from substance misuse and abuse,” the DEA said.
The World Cup kicked off in Mexico City on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico beating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 2-0 amid multiple red cards at the Estadio Azteca.
The first 2026 World Cup match on American soil will take place on Saturday, with co-hosts the United States facing Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy
AUATON condemns Uber’s exit from Nigeria
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria, describing it as unprofessional.

Politics
I’m worried Atiku, Obi will hunt for my head if Tinubu loses 2027 presidential election: Wike
“If anything happens and Mr President fails today, I will be the first politician that Atiku and Obi will hunt for his head,” said Mr Wike.

Showbiz
Venice Film Festival begins with George Clooney honoured with lifetime achievement award
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival has opened in Venice, Italy, with U.S. actor George Clooney receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement on Wednesday.

Anti-Corruption
Adeyemi’s PFIPC: House of Representatives’ panel clears Gbajabiamila of collusion
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council has cleared Femi Gbajabiamila of wrongdoing.

Africa
173 Nigerian returnees from Libya arrive in Lagos
NEMA and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) received 173 Nigerian returnees from Tripoli, Libya.

Opinion
FIPRE framework offers operational blueprint for AFC’s $750 million climate-resilient fund
The FIPRE framework is designed to shift infrastructure practice “from delivering outputs to delivering sustainable outcomes”. It asks five plain questions of every project.






