Civic, law enforcement, legislative leaders and subject matter experts will hold a conference in Brewer on Friday evening to discuss what needs to be done to address Maine’s current drug crisis across multiple lines of action, organizers at the Concerned Citizens of Eastern Maine said.
“This escalating issue is driven by a confluence of critical factors: foreign infiltration, a law enforcement crisis, government silence, and the absence of public outcry and response,” an informational brochure about the conference reads.
While state authorities trumpet the year on year decline in fatal drug overdoses in Maine from 606 in 2023 to 490 last year as an accomplishment, the prevalence of addiction and inflow of narcotics from out-of-state continues to overwhelm both law enforcement and treatment specialists, experts say.
Promising “an eye-opening event where we delve into the drug crisis affecting our communities,” speakers include former state representative from Chelsea Deborah Sanderson, Brewer Police Chris Martin, former U.S. assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement Robert Charles, and Pastor Terry, chaplain of the Penobscot County Jail will be giving presentations.
Beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday, May 23 at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer, organizers are asking for $15 for admission at the door.
