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Schenectady County Announces Drug Unit To Combat Heroin Crisis

Lucas Willard
/
WAMC

Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino and members of the county legislature announced the creation of a county-wide drug unit this morning to address the growing heroin epidemic.

Schenectady County Legislature Chair Anthony Jasenski opened Wednesday morning's press conference by citing some statistics related to the heroin problem affecting country.

"According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of heroin users in America has increased by about 80 percent between 2007 and 2012. And Schenectady County is no different than any other county in the Capital Region, and as such, we've been experiencing a similar trend," said Jasenski.

Schenectady County's new Drug Unit will build on existing efforts by Sheriff Dagostino's office. The sheriff said since 2012, two Sheriff Patrol Deputies have worked part-time to go after heroin traffickers.

"We've made 279 purchases of drugs, we've executed more than 77 search warrants, we've recovered approximately 160,000 in cash and five vehicles worth more than $55,000. Also, we've recovered through either purchases or executions of search warrants, 20 handguns."

Dagostino said the numbers are impressive but alarming, and that more help is needed. With funding included in the 2016 County Budget that is under consideration, the sheriff's office seeks to create two full-time investigators and a full-time inspector position for the Drug Unit. The budget vote is scheduled for October 14, and officials hope to have the unit up and running by January 1st.

Dagostino said law enforcement is part of a three-pronged approach undertaken by the county to fight heroin abuse and addiction.

"I mean, it's great that we grow out and try to rehabilitate — we need to. It's great that we try to educate our young, it's great that we try to engage in prevention programs. But you've got to have that law enforcement component working hand-in-hand with it for this to be a total success," said Dagostino.

The Drug Unit will work throughout the county in both urban and rural areas.

Dagostino said the Drug Unit is similar to what's being done throughout the region; he mentioned the partnership between Washington and Warren Counties as an example.

Recently, a video of a woman shooting drugs at a Schenectady bus stop blocks went viral. Dagostino said the video definitely brings attention to the issue.

"I think it draws attention to the gravity of the situation. I know that family personally, so I'd rather not speak to  much to it. They've gone through their trials and tribulations and it's kind of heartbreaking to watch. And I think probably everybody in this room has had some connection to someone that's had to deal with this issue. And if you have, you certainly know what it does to a family."

 

Lucas Willard is a reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011.
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