Baltimore Drug Citations Plummet After Mass Overdoses: Urgent Calls for Action

UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, only four drug-related citations have been issued in Baltimore’s troubled Penn North neighborhood since late July, despite a staggering three mass overdoses involving nearly 45 individuals. This alarming statistic has sparked urgent calls for better enforcement measures as the city grapples with its notorious open-air drug market.

Newly released data from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office indicates that of the 32 citywide citations for controlled dangerous substances (CDS) offenses, only a scant one citation has come from the Penn North ZIP code (21217). Officials are raising serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing the drug crisis in this area.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s sad that only four drug-related citations were written in Penn North since late July. That just tells me that so much more needs to be done.” Bates highlighted that issuing citations for drug use could serve as a critical pathway to treatment, emphasizing that these actions do not impose financial burdens on offenders.

Attempts to engage local officials have yielded mixed responses. Emails sent to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and City Councilman James Torrence, whose district encompasses Penn North, sought their views on the lack of citations. While Scott did not respond, Torrence pushed back against Bates’ assertion, arguing that “addiction is a public health crisis, not a criminal one.” He emphasized the need for a system that connects individuals to care before any law enforcement involvement occurs.

The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) defended its approach, stating that officers are using a variety of tools beyond citations, including verbal warnings. BPD spokeswoman Lindsey Eldridge noted that police have conducted nearly 5,000 foot patrols and 9,600 business checks in Penn North this year, aiming to tackle the pervasive drug issue.

Despite assurances from BPD, residents in Penn North voiced skepticism. Bates recounted a community meeting where local residents expressed concerns over police inactivity, stating, “They just have to get out, go ahead and engage.” He urged that police should take action when witnessing drug transactions.

The official data paints a concerning picture: from January to mid-July, only 33 drug citations were issued citywide, with just one citation from Penn North. Between July and October, the situation barely improved, with a total of 12 drug citations issued by BPD citywide, including only one from Penn North.

Bates is not advocating for quotas but insists that police need to act on visible drug use. “Any time [police] see someone, they can write a citation because we need to direct that person to drug treatment,” he asserted, stressing the urgency of intervention.

As Baltimore faces this escalating crisis, the community waits to see whether city officials will heed these calls for stronger enforcement and improved accessibility to treatment. The path forward remains uncertain, but the need for immediate action is clear, as the stakes continue to rise in Penn North.

The situation in Baltimore highlights a critical juncture in the ongoing battle against drug-related issues in urban areas. The community’s safety and health hang in the balance as officials grapple with the complexities of addiction and enforcement. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.