Statewide task force of federal, state, and private partners to address counterfeit opioids in the State of Mississippi.

FY2022

Intellectual Property Enforcement Program

Proposal Abstract

State of Mississippi

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office (MSAGO) is the chief law enforcement agency for the State of Mississippi. The MSAGO is requesting a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for $375,000 over a 24-month period to protect public health and safety through the prevention and reduction of intellectual property crimes in the form of counterfeit opioids and related crimes.

The MSAGO will accomplish this by (1) establishing a statewide task force to conduct investigations and prosecutions involving criminal IP laws concerning counterfeit opioids; (2) increasing the knowledge of local and state authorities on IP enforcement as it relates to counterfeit opioids through training; (3) assisting state and local authorities in investigating and prosecuting IP crimes related to counterfeit opioids, including providing technical assistance; and (4) building public awareness of the health and safety impact of counterfeit opioids and how to prevent harm and potential crimes caused by counterfeit opioids.

To accomplish these goals, the MSAGO will partner with federal, state, and local authorities in addition to community partners. As a result of increased training, investigation, and prosecutions combined with public education and awareness this program will be instrumental in making Mississippi a safer, healthier place to live.