The statistics surrounding fentanyl are staggering. This opioid is 50 times stronger than heroin and a whopping 100 times stronger than morphine. This means that even a tiny sprinkle of fentanyl is enough to kill a human being. FDA Administrator Anne Milgram calls this drug the “single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” and over 56,000 overdose deaths involving fentanyl were reported in 2020 alone. This problem is not restricted to Massachusetts, either, and the opioid epidemic has spread across all of North America. If you are engaged in the use or trade of this drug, you need to be aware that Massachusetts is seriously cracking down on anyone involved.
Massachusetts Cracks Down on Nurses
A surprising number of nurses are reportedly using their positions to engage in illegal, fentanyl-related activity. On January 10th of 2023, the Justice Department released a press release detailing the sentencing of a Berkley nurse. This individual had tampered with fentanyl intended for hospital patients, removing vials and replacing them with saline. A total of 60 tampered vials were discovered, and these contained just a small amount of the original fentanyl. It was not revealed whether the nurse was using the fentanyl recreationally or selling it for a profit. Either way, he was sentenced to five years of probation and one year of home detention. In addition, he was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.
On January 13th, another nurse was sentenced for a very similar crime. This nurse had tampered with a bottle of morphine sulfate at a nursing home, removing the drug and replacing most of it with water. For whatever reason, this nurse faced a much more serious penalty – with 52 months in prison and three years of supervised release. It may have been due to the fact that elderly patients were harmed as a direct result of her actions – or perhaps she made the mistake of pleading not guilty.
Fentanyl Dealers are Being Tracked Down and Caught
On January 14th, two criminals were sentenced after a drug trafficking ring was exposed by the authorities in Massachusetts. This trafficking ring involved the distribution of both heroin and fentanyl. One of these criminals was sentenced to 80 months inprison. Also on January 14th, a felon was charged for possessing a firearm, cocaine, fentanyl, meth, MDA, and suboxone with intent to distribute. He has committed similar offenses in the past, which means that he faces life in prison.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney in Massachusetts?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts, look no further than Edward R. Molari, Attorney at Law. We know how serious fentanyl charges can be, and we’re ready to defend your rights as an American to the greatest extent possible. Your right to an attorney is one of your most important constitutional rights. It is crucial that you make the most of it. Book your consultation today and get started with an effective defense strategy geared toward your unique situation.