THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 Page 9 Illegal drug markets continue to thrive despite pandemic Fentanyl becomes predominant drug in opioid crisis By Christopher Roberson W hile the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down nearly every industry during the past year, something that has not slowed is the illegal drug trade. Police Chief Steven Mazzie said drug operations have actually grown during the past 12 to 14 months. “The illegal drug markets don’t seem to be letting up at all,” he said. Mazzie said drug traffickers are now using pill presses to alter fentanyl pills to make them look like Percocet. “This is very common for our investigators to see now,” he said. “The one thing that they’re not seeing is heroin – it’s all fentanyl.” He said that although Everett has seen a “slight decline” in opioid-related deaths during the past year, overdoses continue to happen. In addition, Mazzie said his officers are put in harm’s way whenever they respond to an incident involving fentanyl. “The problem with fentanyl is it poses extreme danger to the officers,” he said. “This stuff is extremely dangerous.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Therefore, in addition to the ongoing efforts to combat the crisis, Mazzie said, he and his officers have put a greater emphasis on targeting the drug traffickers. He also said the pandemic has made bad situations worse for individuals already struggling with addiction. As a result of the pandemic, they have become more susceptible to depression and anxiety, which only fuels their urge to continue using illegal drugs. Mazzie also said opioid use continues to be a widespread crisis. “This would be a regional thing,” he said. On April 7, Everett and Malden Police arrested two men for trafficking fentanyl. While executing search warrants at two locations in Malden, officers allegedly recovered “large Middlesex Sheriff’s Office announces upcoming correction officer exam B ILLERICA – Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced that the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) would open registration for its 2021 correction officer class on April 19. “The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is a recognized national leader in the field of corrections,” said Koutoujian. “We are looking for candidates who share our team’s commitment to service, professional excellence, enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism. If you share these values and goals and want to make a difference in the lives of others, I encourage you to visit our website to register for our exam.” This year’s exam will be offered on a rolling basis with candidates able to select from a predetermined list of dates beginning on May 4 and running through May 22. Those interested in registering for the written exam must do so before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10 at middlesexsheriff. org. All applicants must be 21 years of age at the date of the examination and be legally eligible to work in the United States in compliance with federal law. Candidates must also have a high school degree or equivalent and possess a valid motor vehicle license. A bachelor’s degree and/or prior law enforcement or security experience is preferred. In addition to the written exam, candidates must pass a physical fitness test and criminal background check as well as psychological and medical examinations before being selected to participate in the 44th Basic Training Academy. The MSO was established in 1692 and has been recognized by the National Institute of Corrections and a host of organizations for its innovative, cutting-edge programs, including the Medication Assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery Program, the Housing Unit for Military Veterans and the Commonwealth’s first specialized unit for young adult offenders. This March the EXAM | SEE PAGE 21 You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,210 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,210 Household of 1 = $39,105 Household of 2 = $51,137 Household of 3 = $63,169 Household of 4 = $75,201 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. quantities” of fentanyl, approximately $12,000 in cash, several guns and equipment used for drug distribution. In response, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson launched an Opioid Task Force to tackle the “epidemic within a pandemic.” About a week later, Deandre West of Revere was taken into police custody after he was allegedly found in possession of 266 grams of methamphetamine and more than 1,800 fentanyl pills. In that case, the pills were marked to resemble pharmaceutical grade Percocet and Adderall. In addition, the counterfeit Percocet pills were reportedly laced with fentanyl and the counterfeit Adderall pills were laced with methamphetamine. The Revere Police Department has since issued a warning that “drug traffickers are capitalizing on prescription drug abuse.” WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! J& $45 yd. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $40 yd. $3 yd. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is May 28, 2021 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
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