Latest Killer Drug (Carfentanil) in New Hampshire

New Deadly Drug Carfentanil Affects New Hampshire

In April 2017, Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire announced what authorities had been feared for months. After laboratory testing, they confirmed that the new deadly drug Carfentanil was already in New Hampshire. Three deaths were reported in March 2017 marking its first appearance in New England.

The drug has been causing seizures and death across America and the world. Authorities are worried about its potency and they believe it can potentially be used as a chemical weapon. The drug first appeared in the Midwest before spreading to New England and other parts of the United States.

How Potent is Carfentanil?

Carfentanil is used as a general anesthetic for large animals. A few milligrams can bring down an elephant. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and 4,000 times more potent than heroin. It is resistant to most medication used to treat drug overdoses. It is responsive to Naloxone, though multiple dosages are required.
Carfentanil is used to lace other drugs such as fentanyl and heroin. Abusers may be unaware that the substances have been laced with a potent and dangerous fentanyl derivative. According to Manchester Fire Chief Daniel Goonan, heroin addicts are scared of the presence of the drug in the streets.

Reports in New Hampshire

In 2016, after reports of seizures and deaths in Ohio, authorities in New England prepared for what appeared to be the inevitable. Law enforcement and response teams were on high alert for signs of the drug in the streets of New Hampshire.

It first appeared in New Hampshire in March 2017. Three deaths were reported, two 35 year old men, and one 48 year old man in Manchester. 26 overdoses were reported in Manchester in April resulting in 2 deaths. Police also arrested a man in possession of trace amounts of the drug.

The potency of the drug is not only a risk for addicts, but also for law enforcement and health workers. Grains of Carfentanil are enough to cause seizures when inhaled or when absorbed through the skin. Experts warn that caution should be taken when handling the substance, because even what appears to be trace amounts can be fatal.

The Safe Station Program

In Manchester New Hampshire, a new program to help addicts was started by Fire Chief Daniel Goonan. Anyone who needs help can simply walk into one of the fire stations in the city. Firefighters are trained to do an initial medical assessment for warning signs, they may call for help in case the addict needs medical assistance.

The safe station program has been quite successful in Manchester NH. In May alone, more than 100 people have sought help through this program. So far the safe station program has reported that more than 800 people have voluntarily sought help.

The good news is that the number of seizures and overdoses seems to have reduced. This is partly attributed to the Safe Station Program. Law enforcement has also increased surveillance and China recently banned the drug reducing quantities finding their way into the U.S.  If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug possession and are facing criminal charges, you should speak with an experienced drug defense lawyer in NH.

By Kevin Tighe

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New Firearm Licensing Laws New Hampshire

Firearm Licensing Changes in the Works for New Hampshire

It takes a great deal of time and effort to see changes made to the law in an individual state, especially if the law covers something serious like gun ownership. The constitution of the United States includes the Right to Bear Arms within the Second Amendment, with each state having certain licensing requirements in place that must be followed in order to be a certified and responsible gun owner. The licensing requirements may soon change in the state of New Hampshire if Senate Bill 12 passes into law.

The new measure is sponsored by Senator Jeb Bradley of New Hampshire and would work to repeal the requirement for licensing that says individuals who carry a concealed revolver or pistol must have a license to do so.

The Existing Firearms Law in NH

The existing state law of New Hampshire in regards to firearms allows for any citizen of the state to legally own a firearm to carry the weapon openly. The gun can be unloaded or loaded. If the firearm is concealed, perhaps with a jacket or kept in a female’s pocketbook for protection, then the individual would be required to have a concealed carry license. With the proposed legislation, the need for this type of licensing would be eliminated.

The legislation would actually extend the permitless open carry law to a permitless concealed carry option. This means that law abiding citizens would have the right to conceal or open carry with one license in place. The new measure would also extend the time frame of licensing from four years to five.
Similar legislation was proposed in 2016 but shot down by former Governor Maggie Hassan. The measure made it through the New Hampshire General Court before losing ground. It seems this year, the legislation actually has a chance to pass into law. Just a few days ago, the bill moved past the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee after a vote of 12 to 8 and will now move forward to the House floor with the entire House of Representatives considering the measure.

Proponents of the measure are asking individuals to contact state representatives to see the bill become law. With a new governor in place, it could be that the measure will have enough support to move through the House and be one step closer to becoming law, needing the signature of the governor to do so.

Concealed Weapons Laws

Criminal attorneys commonly deal with this category of law as individuals face charges for carrying a concealed weapon when essentially the law-abiding citizen is doing nothing wrong. It is important to work with an attorney who knows the gun laws of New Hampshire and can help you in a case of concealed weapon charge or others issues involving firearms. If the law changes, attorneys will have new legal ways of dealing with such charges to assist those in need.

Over the next few weeks, the full House should considered Senate Bill 12 and it will be determined if the measure will become law and open/concealed carry will be meshed into one license for gun owners.

By Kevin Tighe

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