RUMFORD – Residents have given tips to police about drug use and abuse in their neighborhoods in the wake of recent drug raids.

“Once again, the citizens are stepping up to the plate and helping law enforcement by giving us information,” said Sgt. Tracey Higley. “We have citizens coming to us who are upset about drug use and abuse in the community.”

On May 21, a total of 35 police officers from six law enforcement agencies who were armed with search warrants raided five residences in Mexico and Rumford, arresting nine people on felony drug trafficking charges. A 10th person was arrested May 22.

The raids, which targeted opiate-based drugs instead of cocaine-based drugs as had been previously reported, were the result of a yearlong drug investigation dubbed Operation Snowball.

Tony Milligan, special agent with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, said opiate-based drugs are pain medications that, when taken inappropriately, have the same effect as heroin.

“People die on these prescription drugs all the time,” Milligan said. “It’s a big problem in Maine because they’re easier to get than heroin. They can be just as deadly as the stuff you buy in the little bags.”

Some of the 10 people netted in the May 21-22 raids had prescriptions for the drugs, while others allegedly used deception to acquire them, Milligan said.

Among the prescription drugs targeted in the raids were Oxycodone, the generic equivalent of OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, Clonazepam, Amitriptyline, Ciprofloxacin, Bactrim, Darvocet, Propoxyphene, Demerol and Meperidine.

“If they’re taken as directed, you’re all set. But if they’re taken crushed up or snorted, it’s the same as heroin, although with heroin, you don’t know what you’re getting or how pure it is. But with prescription drugs, the quality control is there” because they’ve been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, he added.

Last May, police targeted cocaine trafficking with Operation Noble Deed, netting 10 people in the drug sweep.

Both operations are part of an aggressive, ongoing and multi-phased effort aimed at eliminating drug trafficking in the immediate vicinity of area schools. Tips from residents have been a big help, Higley said.

“We’ve been getting a few things now and then,” said Detective Lt. Wayne Gallant. “I’d like to see more (tips) but (the drug raids) are still generating interest. The more we do it, the more information there is that keeps coming in.”

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link