Mass. City Debates
Drug Prevention

Mansfield officials are debating how best to prevent drug-related deaths that occurred at an all-day concert at Comcast Center in July.

The Sun Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/Vq4pul ) that Selectmen Vice Chairman George Dentino has pushed for double security measures to reduce underage drinking at the venue. He says a designated parking lot for concertgoers 21 and older be sectioned off for alcohol consumption.

Police Chief Arthur O’Neill says officials would have to card everyone that comes into the lot and the town doesn’t have enough resources.

Dentino also suggested the use of police dogs to check for contraband.

Drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy, PCP, LSD and alcohol were used at the Identity Tour concert, leading to the hospitalization of 20 people for drug-related illnesses. Two people died from an overdose of a combination of drugs and alcohol.