Baltimore City?s drug trade has taken a toll on youth.
“The number of juveniles in the felony drug distribution and possession of narcotics is alarming,” saidJames Green, director of special projects for Baltimore City police. “It is a huge indicator to other acts of crime and violence.”
Last month, Baltimore City police arrested 133 juveniles on charges of either distribution of illegal drugs or possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Suspects ages 12, 13 and 14 were arrested on distribution of cocaine charges. A 13-year-old and two 14-year-olds were arrested on distribution of heroin charges.
The number of arrests is part of a growing trend that affects other categories of juvenile crime, including homicides, according to a police report. The statistics are part of a one-month report on juvenile arrests in Baltimore City issued by the Juvenile Justice Center.
The report lists the numbers of arrests and the types of crimes committed, and comes on the heels of a jump in the number of juveniles committing homicides this year.
“The number of juveniles charged with drug dealing have been pretty consistent since 2004,” said Baltimore City State?s Attorney spokeswoman Margaret Burns, who said State?s Attorney Patricia Jessamy requested a report on the problem to coordinate efforts with other agencies.
“These kids are often facilitating a violent drug organization at the request of adults who use young kids so they can escape … prosecution,” Burns said.
The best tool for suppressing the juvenile drug trade and its related problems is keeping youth in school, Green said.
Arrest numbers
» In October, 722 juveniles in Baltimore were arrested, down from 836 in October 2005. Of the arrests, 608 were made by Baltimore City police, with 104 arrests booked by the school
police.
» For the year, 7,696 juveniles have been arrested, down from 8,778 at the same time last year.
» In October, 93 juveniles were charged with simple possession of acontrolled substance, which includes heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.
