MAYOR DEPEÑA AND GOVERNOR AYOTTE 

ADDRESS CROSS-BORDER CRIME AND DRUG TRAFFICKING 

Lawrence, MA (February 10, 2025) – Today, Mayor Brian A. DePeña met with Governor Kelly Ayotte to discuss how the City of Lawrence, and the State of New Hampshire can work together to combat cross-border crime and drug trafficking. 

After the meeting, Governor Ayotte previewed additional resources in her proposed budget to target the criminal pipeline between Lawrence and New Hampshire alongside law enforcement officers from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 

Following the announcement, Governor Ayotte said, “I am thankful for Mayor DePeña’s willingness to address the dangerous flow of drugs and criminal activity occurring between Lawrence and our state. The more we work together, the safer all our communities will be. With additional resources targeted at this pipeline, we will strengthen our fight against the trafficking of deadly drugs like fentanyl and lock up those who are bringing this poison and crime to our communities.” 

Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña added, “The crises of drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human exploitation, and gang violence continue to devastate families across both Massachusetts and New Hampshire—threats that recognize no borders and spare no community. The time for decisive, extraordinary action is now, but no single entity can combat this alone. I am deeply grateful for Governor Ayotte’s leadership and her commitment to working in partnership with the City of Lawrence to confront this urgent crisis. Today’s meeting marks a critical step forward in developing a concrete, results-driven plan to strengthen our collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and implement a unified strategy to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the flow of illicit substances. This initiative between Lawrence and New Hampshire is a testament to our shared resolve: only through coordination, resource-sharing, and unwavering commitment can we safeguard our communities and deliver the security and justice our residents deserve”. 2 | P a g e 

“I applaud the efforts of Governor Ayotte and Mayor DePeña in working together to keep their bordering communities safe. As District Attorney, I support their efforts as well as the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in targeting, disrupting, and dismantling illicit drug trafficking. These partnerships result in enhanced cooperation, effective enforcement, and prosecution”, said District Attorney Paul F Tucker. 

“The Lawrence Police Department recognizes the serious impact of the crisis at hand on both Lawrence and neighboring cities in New Hampshire. Despite challenges, our commitment to fighting these crimes remains strong. To successfully combat drug trafficking, we must prioritize collaboration at every level. By building strong partnerships with regional and state agencies, including those in New Hampshire, we are dedicated to strengthening our collective efforts to protect our communities and tackle these ongoing challenges with determination and unity”, said Acting Police Chief Melix Bonilla.