North Shore Police Departments See Increase In Crystal Meth Use

SALEM, MA — Police in Beverly, Salem and other North Shore towns are reporting an increase in the use of crystal methamphetamine, a powerful, illegal stimulant that has plagued other parts of the country for several years.

According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, two Salem men were arrested last month and accused of dealing crystal meth from a Park Street apartment. A Salem woman was arrested in Beverly in February with 1 1/2 ounces of the drug. Other arrests were made in Malden and Middleton.

"It's making inroads," Jon DeLena, associate special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England field office, told the newspaper. "I think it's solidified itself here in this region much more than anybody realizes."