Introduction: About This Series

DECADES OF ADDICTION - DRUGS IN NORTH CENTRAL MASS

There is no greater problem facing the residents of North Central
Massachusetts than the use and trafficking of illegal drugs. It has
tarnished the region's reputation for decades and has prevented cities,
particularly Fitchburg, from reaching the heights its residents and
business owners deserve.

There are few areas in North Central Massachusetts that haven't been hurt
by illegal drug trafficking.

From public safety to housing, business and even education, drug
trafficking and illegal drug use have made their presence felt.

But it is not a new problem. That's why we decided to call our special
10-part series, "Decades of Addiction - Drugs in North Central Mass."

We hope by documenting just how serious drug trafficking and use is in the
region, it will spur residents, educators, businessmen, police and
politicians to treat this situation like the public-safety emergency it is.
This newspaper has never attempted such an in-depth look at a problem. But
we felt only a series of this scope could give the problem the attention it
deserved.

That's why a team of Sentinel & Enterprise reporters, photographers and
editors began working on the project close to a year ago. We think the
series is particularly telling because we turned to you to help us tell the
story.

During the past year, we've conducted scores of interviews with people on
all sides of the issue, from police to drug dealers, residents, teachers,
social workers, court officers and former gang-bangers.

This series is the work of a team, including Leominster Bureau Chief
Hillary Chabot; reporters Rebecca Deusser, Crystal Bozek, Kate Meyers, J.J.
Huggins, Emily Young and Caitlyn Kelleher; Photo Editor Sarah Britain;
photographers Alan Arsenault and Robert Burns; and Designer Cindy Gierhart.
Without their hundreds of hours of work and ceaseless dedication, this
series would not have been possible.

Please let us know what you think of the series and what solutions you can
offer to the drug problem by e-mailing me at jmcmenemy@sentinel
andenterprise.com.