For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Townsend Police Investigating Scam Involving Drugs Sent through the Mail

TOWNSEND — Chief Robert M. Eaton Jr. reports that the Townsend Police Department, working alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postmaster General, is investigating a scam involving drugs that are sent through the mail and landing in Townsend residents’ mailboxes.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, around 4:30 p.m., police responded to a residence on Sumac Drive on a report that the female homeowner had received a package in the mail containing what she thought might be an illegal substance.

Upon arrival, an officer was directed to a bag containing circular pills, which he identified as Adderall. The package was addressed to an individual in California, with the return address made out to the residence on Sumac Drive.

This incident mirrors others that have previously been reported to the Townsend Police Department.

In September, a male homeowner on Walnut Street received a package of Adderall that was addressed to someone in Wisconsin, with his residence listed on the return address. Additionally, in August, a female homeowner on Mason Road received a package with Adderall inside, which had been addressed to an individual in California. The woman’s home address was listed in the return address field, yet the woman did not send the package.

In all cases, the packages were sent back to the return addresses because they didn’t have the sufficient postage to make it to the supposed destination. Townsend residents who have reported receiving these packages state that they did not send anything through the mail, and are surprised to find the drugs in their mailboxes. Townsend Police believe this is a new system instigated by drug dealers and users to transport drugs through the U.S. Postal Service.

“Scammers are purposely using insufficient postage to transport drugs through the mail system, and Townsend residents have fallen victim in recent months,” Chief Eaton said. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant and keep their eyes peeled for any suspicious packages or unusual persons in their neighborhood.”

The series of incidents are currently under investigation by the Townsend Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Postmaster General.

Townsend Police encourage residents to be careful of their surroundings and take notice of anyone who may be approaching their property on foot. Additionally, anyone who receives an unexpected package in their mailbox is asked to immediately contact the Townsend Police Department at 978-597-6214.

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