King Fights to Stop Nassau’s Growing Heroin Problem
Secures Funds for Nassau County Police to Combat Record High Heroin Use
August 6, 2009
Representative Peter King (NY-3) successfully secured $385,000 for the Nassau County Police Department’s (NCPD) Heroin Abatement Program in the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill which recently passed the House. This funding has become even more crucial with today’s announcement by Nassau County officials that heroin deaths are at an all time high. The NCPD has reported 243 heroin-related arrests and 25 deaths so far this year. In 2008, heroin killed 46 people in Nassau County – three times more people than drunk driving and murder combined.
“Heroin has become an epidemic that is spreading through every part of Nassau County and targeting our youth,” said King. “We must put a stop to this before any more lives are lost. I know that the Nassau County Police Department will continue to do all it can to control the heroin problem and I fully support its efforts.”
The NCPD’s Heroin Abatement Program will include in-depth investigations into the criminal operations of heroin dealers and traffickers in Nassau County. The funds will be used for increased surveillance of heroin activity, which will lead to arrests of supply sources and dealers.
In January 2009, Nassau County Police Department launched a “Heroin Task Force” that is responsible for the arrests made this year. The funds secured by King will expand the Task Force to increase the manpower needed to implement a long-term systemic strategy that will target the heroin problem at its core.
“We are fortunate to have a police force in Nassau County dedicated to keeping drugs off our streets and out of our communities,” said King. “I am 100% committed to providing these officers with the tools they need to combat Long Island’s growing heroin problem, which is why I am fighting for a swift passage of the bill into law and a prompt release of the funds to the police department.”
The bill containing funds secured by Rep. King for NCPD’s Heroin Abatement Program now awaits Senate consideration and passage.
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