Dee Bettencourt's son -- her best friend -- was shot to death two years ago at age 20 when a drug deal for OxyContin went bad. Jackie Ricupero's heroin addiction cost her a 28-year marriage and, in just two years, $180,000. She stole from her kids and neighbors once her money ran out. Liisa Bennett's son has been addicted to opiates since he broke his arm at age 15 and was prescribed the painkiller Percocet. Nearly a decade later, he's been through detox about 10 times as he progressed from Percocet to OxyContin to heroin. [continues 1293 words]
The opiate problem isn't new in Fall River, where in 2002 police seized 3 pounds of heroin valued at $1.2 million following an eight-month investigation. Massachusetts has long had an opiate problem, too, but a 70-page report released last month from the state OxyContin and Heroin Commission refocused attention on the issue. The state, the report said, is "in the midst of a serious and dangerous epidemic" of soaring heroin and opiate use, while support for treatment programs remains insufficient. [continues 1000 words]
The state District Attorney's Office and area police departments have been scrambling to prepare for the new marijuana possession law that goes into effect today - a measure law enforcement officials strongly opposed. Only days ago, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security released an outline of the new law's citation process, potential legal issues and rules for dealing with minors. On Tuesday, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office met with area police chiefs to review the guidelines so officers can begin enforcing the law. "We're professional police officers," said Swansea Police Chief George Arruda. "We're prepared to respond to Question 2." In Massachusetts, those caught with an ounce or less of marijuana will be charged only with a criminal offense and fined $100. Minors will also be required to complete a drug awareness program. [continues 718 words]
The state District Attorney's Office and area police departments have been scrambling to prepare for the new marijuana possession law that goes into effect today a measure law enforcement officials strongly opposed. Only days ago, the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security released an outline of the new law's citation process, potential legal issues and rules for dealing with minors. On Tuesday, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office met with area police chiefs to review the guidelines so officers can begin enforcing the law. [continues 770 words]
Earlier this fall, a former Seattle police chief wrote in a Los Angeles Times article that all drugs should be made legal in an attempt to curb drug violence and some of its consequences - civilian and officer deaths, a dangerous environment for officers and a continuous federal cash commitment. Norm Stamper, a cop for 34 years, called for legalizing all drugs - including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, meth, psychotropics, mushrooms and LSD. Cigarettes and alcohol are legal and prohibition was unsuccessful, Stamper said, so it doesn't make sense for the government to continue to try to stop illegal drug use. [continues 928 words]
