According to the NYC Department of Health, more than eight in ten fatal overdoses involved heroin (55%) and opioid (44%) last year.
According to Schumer, approximately 1.4 million New Yorkers are suffering from substance abuse disorder. Between 2004 to 2015, the heroin treatment admissions in upstate New York rose 115%. In Long Island, the heroine treatment admissions increased 116%.
Addressing opioid epidemic is a top priority
In a statement, DEA Acting Administrator Robert Patterson said their top priority is addressing the opioid epidemic. Pursuing criminal organizations that distribute fatal drugs to neighborhoods is also a priority.
Patterson said, “These teams will enhance DEA’s ability to combat trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues.” Additionally, the teams will improve the agency’s ability to prevent violence associated with drug trafficking.”
Furthermore, the DEA said other States facing significant challenges fighting the opioid epidemic will also receive new enforcement teams.
