Las Cruces is turning its attention to the grip of a looming shadow, as officials prepare to convene a Town Hall meeting addressing the local impact of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. This event, scheduled for September 12, seeks to bring clarity to the issue with input from law enforcement, public health professionals, and the community members who tread daily through the challenges these substances weave into their city's fabric.
Set within the walls of the Council Chambers at Las Cruces City Hall, the meeting will open its doors at 6 p.m. to welcome residents eager to engage in this pivotal discourse. Police Chief Jeremy Story is on the rostrum with a mission to lay bare the second-quarter crime statistics of 2024, shining a light on trends when comparing them to the previous year. Overall, the meeting, anticipated to last about two hours, serves as a beacon for those seeking answers and resolution to the drug-related turmoil stirring in Las Cruces.
Joining Chief Story are Athena Huckaby, a public health professional versed in drug policy and harm reduction, and Kevin Renn, a Drug Intelligence Officer affiliated with the New Mexico High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Together, they are set to delve into the increase of fentanyl and methamphetamine use within the community, according to the City of Las Cruces. Their combined expertise aims to not only inform but also to kickstart conversations on solutions and strategies.
