Northern Massachusetts Battling Drug Epidemic

A drug bust in Massachusetts has shed light onto a growing drug epidemic.

“We probably make more arrests than any other police department similarly-sized, related to drug sales and possession,” said Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick.

Lawrence Police are taking the issue seriously as they notice more people coming to their community to sell and buy drugs like heroin are taking very seriously.

Fitzpatrick said it has a lot to do with the city's convenient location, which is easily accessible from major highways.

Chief Fitzpatrick estimated roughly a third of the arrests they make a year are drug-related.

Lowell Police Captain Tim Crowley said, "It's a supply and demand like any other business. The demand is really high, so they'll get the supply here however they can."

Crowley added that Lowell Police have an officer assigned to a recently-formed task force targeting the issue in Lawrence and nearby communities.

It’s a joint effort to crack down on the drug activity and keep it from spreading even further. But, according to Crowley, it is not an easy task.

For nearby Methuen, the battle is a bit different. Methuen Police say they’ve responded to nearly 45 overdoses this year alone, with many in area parking lots and businesses.

Methuen Lieutenant Kevin Mahoney said, "With Lawrence being a source city, a lot of people are coming in from out-of-town, buying heroin and stopping at the first available point which is generally one of our exit ramps."

Methuen Police say they've even responded to public restrooms clogged because of flushed needles, and are recommending needle disposal boxes be installed. Local, state and federal leaders said they are aggressively working to fight this trend.

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