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Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis and Chief Deputy Michael Crabtree met with a group of about 30 Lubec residents on May 18 to hear concerns about what is described as rampant drug use within the community. Curtis, who campaigned on county drug issues, said, "We're just a few minutes into this." When Crabtree was introduced, his background was characterized as having been involved in drug‑related matters since 1990. The meeting was arranged by Lubec resident Charlotta Farmer; three select board members were present and also one MSAD 19 school board director.
Prior to the meeting, many community members had used social media to describe their dismay at the volume of drug paraphernalia retrieved from local roads during a town cleanup day. "How do you explain all these needles to a five‑year‑old?" one asked.
Estimates of opioid abuse were provided by community members ranging as high as one third of the population, eliciting a response from Crabtree. "I'm not sure what the comparison would be," he said, speaking of how Lubec would compare to other communities. "I don't know if it is worse here than anywhere else." He said, "Once they take root they spread. It affects the entire community." Neither Crabtree nor Curtis offered an estimate of the number of users.
Crabtree described the process of dealing with drugs in the community as a "three-legged stool," including treatment, education and enforcement. "Take away a leg and it all falls over," he said.
Many of the participants spoke of personal experiences, with several becoming emotional while describing the devastation of families and friends. One participant, a 10-year-old student, spoke of being approached by a 13‑year‑old. Several spoke of witnessing suspicious activities repeatedly in the same location over time.
Curtis was asked if he had sufficient resources to deal with drug issues. "I could use a few more deputies," he said but added that it was unlikely he would be allowed to add staff. "Talk to us," said Crabtree, suggesting a call to the regional dispatch center at 255‑4422. "Even if you think the information won't be useful, let us know what you're seeing." He pointed out repeatedly that placing a call does not mean you will be called as a witness or that your identity will be divulged.
The question of expanded coverage by the sheriff or of the establishment of a Lubec Police Department also came up, along with reminders that voters have previously balked at the expense.
One participant asked, "Are you going to let us do what we need to do?" "No," replied Crabtree. "I went to jail for assaulting a drug dealer," said Selectman Joanne H. Case. "The judge said I wasn't allowed to take the law into my own hands." Regarding how the authorities can deal with users and dealers, Crabtree pointed out, "We have this pesky thing called the constitution. We have to follow what it says; they don't."
Both Curtis and Crabtree pointed out that, even with additional deputies, it would still be unlikely they could interrupt a drug deal, simply because of the distances involved. "If you can get the plate number," said Crabtree, "that can be a big help." He described the interagency cooperation that would allow him to contact a colleague in another county to ask about an individual, based on a license plate. One possible response to such a question would be: "Let me tell you something about that guy."
Downeast EMS team member Renee Gray spoke of a promising program in Jonesport. "I Care 2" is described as a "parenting support group" and can be accessed on Facebook. The need for a local resident to step forward and take over such a program in Lubec was brought up. "We have these meetings and we always get the same 10 people," one pointed out. "And those 10 are already involved in keeping parts of the town running."
The Jonesport group is sponsoring an event on Saturday, May 23, including a talk by Bangor Health and Community Services Overdose Protection Specialist Tim Shaw, who has previously described himself as a "recovering addict." Shaw participated in a two‑day workshop at the Lubec school in October 2012, which produced much interest, but as there was no local organization picking up and running with the suggestions, no action resulted.
The two-and-a-half-hour meeting concluded with a promise by Curtis to work with the Lubec Select Board to revisit the level of coverage by his department and also to help produce a "do's and don'ts" brochure to help residents cope with what they are experiencing. "We don't need to keep answering the same questions," said Curtis. "We need to move ahead." |
