Mayor Michelle Wu Hands Boston’s Drug Dealers a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is facing criticism over her administration’s decision not to arrest individuals involved in the city’s drug trade, a policy that has sparked concerns about public safety amid Boston’s ongoing opioid crisis.

Wu’s stance, which focuses on providing treatment rather than law enforcement action against drug dealers, has been met with pushback from residents, business owners, and public safety officials.

Despite rising complaints about open drug use in the city, Wu and other local leaders, including Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, have defended their approach, calling it an “evolution” in handling the city’s persistent drug problem.

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Their newly introduced public safety plan prioritizes intervention and rehabilitation over traditional enforcement measures.

WATCH: @MayorWu’s radical policies have turned Boston into a lawless, open-air drug market

Dealers/addicts flood the streets while she orders police not to arrest—even dealers get taxpayer-funded “treatment”

Crime surges. No safety. No accountability

Say NO to Wu this November pic.twitter.com/CPHyWrpOUh

— Bostonians Against Mayor Wu (@AntiWuCoalition) March 9, 2025

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Boston residents have voiced frustration over the increasing prevalence of drug activity, particularly in areas where the crisis has become more visible.

At a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, business owners expressed concerns about how the situation is affecting commerce.

“It scares the customer to come in town and buy stuff,” one business owner said, reflecting broader worries that leniency toward drug dealers could further deteriorate public safety and economic activity in affected areas.

Critics argue that the city’s strategy effectively allows illegal drug markets to thrive without consequence, making it more difficult to maintain order and protect communities.

New in Boston: Mayor Wu has taken the liberal mind to an entirely different realm.

She is now openly refusing to arrest anyone who deals narcotics.

You can now expect dealers to take bolder risks more often, all in an effort to get your kids hooked and ALL thanks to Mayor… https://t.co/4gvyERMHnK pic.twitter.com/GTBKrt3N8M

— Tom Homan – Border Czar Commentary News (@TomHoman_) March 8, 2025

The debate over how to handle Boston’s drug epidemic comes as the city grapples with an influx of fentanyl and other opioids.

While Wu and other progressive officials advocate for a public health-centered approach, opponents warn that removing legal consequences for drug dealers could worsen addiction rates and increase crime.

Why is this woman not arrested since she’s literally, willingly putting lives at risk? WHY????

If any of us did this we would go to prison! She’s NOT above the law!!! What the actual hell???

— Ella Boo Bella (@SummerShaddows) March 8, 2025

As the situation unfolds, Boston residents, business owners, and law enforcement officials will continue to push for policies that prioritize both public health and public safety.

Whether Wu’s strategy will lead to improvements or further deterioration remains to be seen.

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