Town Officials, DA Demand Stronger State Laws To Crackdown On Drug Dealers, Fentanyl Possession

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board took decisive action to address the opioid crisis and combat the proliferation of deadly substances in New York State and across the region. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Town Board passed an official resolution in support of Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney’s efforts to amend New York State laws related to deadly substances such as fentanyl and xylazine.
“As the opioid crisis continues to devastate families across our nation and in our community, with fatalities increasing across all communities and among all people, it is imperative that we take decisive action to save lives,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The Oyster Bay Town Board and I are proud to support the Suffolk County District Attorney’s demands to amend state laws to increase punishment for drug dealers and ensure victims get the support they deserve. Together, we are sending a clear message that those who peddle deadly poison will be held accountable for their actions.”
Under current New York State law, individuals can possess up to 8 oz. of fentanyl before bail can be set, a quantity capable of killing over 100,000 people. Additionally, the law does not recognize families of those lost to fentanyl as “victims” and prevents these families from receiving financial compensation. Moreover, the use of xylazine (a tranquilizer used to sedate large livestock animals) by drug dealers exacerbates the crisis, yet it remains legal to possess in our state. The Town of Oyster Bay resolution approved today formally declares the Town Board’s support for DA Tierney’s advocacy efforts to amend state law relating to these deadly substances and recognizes that drug dealers who peddle this poison are, in fact, dealing death to our residents.
“The Oyster Bay Town Board is committed to taking decisive action to combat the opioid epidemic and protect the well-being of our residents,” added Councilman Lou Imbroto. “We stand in solidarity with District Attorney Tierney’s campaign to save lives and keep families whole.”
—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay