Penalties Higher For Possessing, Selling Illegal Paraphernalia In Certain Sections

NEWPORT - A decade ago, Maine's schools and grounds were designated drug-free zones, areas where drug dealers would face significantly higher punishments if caught and convicted.

The idea has been so successful, said police Chief Leonard Macdaid, that Newport is expanding those safe zones to include town parks, athletic fields, and other areas where children gather.

"The idea is to make the punishment more severe and deter this type of drug activity from these areas," Macdaid told selectmen on Wednesday night.

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