CAMBRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

1996 ANNUAL REPORT

NARCOTICS

The Vice/Narcotics Unit is continually involved in investigations involving drugs and vice activity within the City of Cambridge. They have adopted strategic planning methods to help alleviate the pressures bestowed upon society by the culture of drug abuse and addiction. The goal of the unit is to target street level dealers to get to the suppliers.

This goal was achieved in 1996 through undercover operations that resulted in a 31 percent rise in arrests for cocaine dealing. (The street drug of choice is still "crack" cocaine.) In early May, the Unit began an undercover operation that targeted street level dealers in Area 4, where this activity is most prevalent. By late June, the operation had concluded with the arrest of 13 cocaine dealers-the majority of which are facing mandatory jail terms for selling narcotics within school zones or parks in which children play.

This operation set the stage for the summer months, in which the Unit continued to seek out and suppress street level dealers. In several cases, the arrests led straight to the suppliers-investigations of whom provided further arrests as well as the seizure of the suppliers' property and money derived from illicit drug dealing.

The Cambridge Police Vice/Narcotics Unit anticipates further operations similar to these as well as ongoing suppression tactics that fight the problem at its root level: in the street, where the public is most exposed and affected.

The Vice/Narcotics Unit has observed an increase in the level of activity originating from the Lynn, Revere, Everett and Chelsea areas. The increase of traffic from these communities has brought traces of heroin back into the City of Cambridge. Heroin on the market now is much more pure and can be purchased at a fraction of previous cost. The Unit has spearheaded efforts to stop the flow of heroin entering the City and will continue to conduct investigations to keep the activity at bay.

Statistics reveal that marijuana and crack and powder cocaine have been the driving forces behind the drug culture in the City for several years. Marijuana usage and drug dealings have been a constant, public nuisance for some residents of the City of Cambridge. In various neighborhoods throughout the city teenagers congregating on street corners and parks have become particularly problematic for area residents. The majority of people arrested for possession and/or sale of illicit narcotics are residents of the City of Cambridge. Occasionally, people from surrounding communities will travel into the city to purchase the wares of street level dealers. Cambridge dealers set up trade in their respective neighborhoods, claiming territorial rites.

The Vice/Narcotics Unit employs an anonymous Drug Tip Hotline to gain intelligence information from the community. The Unit can be reached by calling 349-3359. Generally, you will be greeted by a taped message instructing you to leave very detailed information. Vital information will include location of incident, any vehicle description, and a description of the person(s) involved. You do not have to provide any personal information and all information is held in the strictest of confidence.

Geographic Breakdown of Drug Arrests

Categorical Breakdown of Drug Arrests

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