TheNew Orleans - The Louisiana State Museum is unpacking a powerful weapon in the war against illegal drugs: remnants from September 11, 2001, pieces of a meth lab, a crushed car; all help make up "Target America."
It's the D.E.A.'s traveling exhibit detailing the 150 year history and impact of illegal drugs in the U.S.
"There's nothing like seeing real objects, the real story," says Arthur Smith of the Louisiana State Museum.
Adults may be surprised to learn illegal drugs cost the US an estimated $180 billion a year, just slightly less than the total taxes U.S. corporations will pay this year.
Part of "Target America" is also geared toward children.
"The unique things about this exhibit are the interactive activities. Plus it has a section that deals with breaking the cycle. Kids will have a chance to take quizzes on what they've seen and learned," says Special Agent Jimmy Fox, D.E.A.
Exhibits like the gallery of victims affect people of all ages.
"It will enhance conversation between parents about drug activity: the things drugs do to the body and the mind," says Fox.
"Target America" opens at Louisiana State Museum on March 3rd and runs through the end of 2010. The exhibit is free. Already, school groups from 8 parishes have signed on.
The Louisiana State Museum is putting together a special local component tracing the history of drugs in New Orleans from the 18th century until now.
"We found in our own collection opium pipes going back to the 1840's, we found all kinds of paraphernalia, amazing stories, it's a very sobering kind of piece," says Smith.
Meant to deliver a message organizers hope will save lives.
