BALTIMORE CITY, MD — Despite being home to one of the state’s most visible open-air drug markets, only two drug-related citations have been issued this year in Baltimore’s Penn-North neighborhood, according to new data from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
The figure comes as the city continues to grapple with a growing overdose crisis. Earlier this month, Penn-North was the scene of two mass overdose incidents that sent more than 30 people to area hospitals. Investigators believe the overdoses were caused by a dangerous mixture of narcotics.
Patricia Deros is the Chief Eastside District Court attorney for The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. She said issuing citations — not arrests — can be a critical step in connecting drug users with treatment and services…