Epidemic Of 'High' Proportion
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Epidemic Of 'High' Proportion

From Mexico to New Hampshire, no one is immune.

19
Epidemic Of 'High' Proportion
PRI

A manhunt is underway after “the world's most dangerous drug lord” escapes from prison ... again.

The eader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin Guzman, also known as “El Chapo,” escaped from prison for the second time on July 11, 2015. He made his escape through a tunnel leading from the shower area of his holding cell in Mexico City, at Altiplano Federal Penitentiary. In 2013, Guzman was named public enemy No. 1 by the Chicago Crime Commission, a label also used for Al Capone back in the 1930’s, according to USA Today.

It’s no surprise that a drug lord that powerful would find the means and resources to plan a prison break, especially with all of the corruption in the justice system of Mexico, but twice? After his first prison break, in which Guzman escaped by hiding in a laundry cart, he was placed in the most secure facility in the country of Mexico, where officials swore he would not escape, according to USA Today. Clearly Guzman had help from outside sources, which just goes to show how powerful the drug industry is.

On a more local note, travel about 2,651 miles up to New Hampshire, and you’ll find Guzman’s cousin, Manuel Jesus Gutierrez-Guzman, who pleaded not guilty to charges that he planned to distribute over 1,000 pounds of cocaine, heroin and other controlled substances in the U.S. back in October 2014, according to the FBI. New Hampshire's border is only about 20 minutes from Merrimack College's campus, so we have a direct relative of the world's most notorious and feared drug lord wreaking havoc outside our backdoor.

Heroin seems to be the leading drug on the North Shore, with the arrests for opiate use, such as heroin, having tripled since 2013, according to the Eagle Tribune. It is estimated that this year alone there have been over 200 heroin overdose deaths in Massachusetts, many of which have happened right here in the North Shore. Heroin use is not restricted to any one demographic, though the average age is 36 years old. Anyone from teenagers to successful and established adults is vulnerable to heroin and overdoses due to “spiked” batches. Not all overdoses lead to death though, as Narcan, a prescription drug that helps reverse the effects of certain types of medicines, is able to revive victims.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug addiction contact the Drug Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91125
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

64998
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments