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Orange County Receives Federal "High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area" Designation

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-974270.mp3

Newburgh, NY – A new federal designation may be the latest asset in the attempts to combat drug trafficking in the Hudson Valley. WAMC's Greg Fry reports...

The federal designation of Orange County, New York as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area will mean more resources for the area, including equipment and technology.

The designation focuses primarily on Newburgh, a city with well-documented drug and gang problems. Congressman Maurice Hinchey's office was a leader in obtaining the designation, along with the offices of US Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Roughly 14% of the nation's counties are designated as high-intensity trafficking areas. Lawmakers have continued to push the FBI and other federal agencies for more assistance in combating a significant amount of gang activity in the city.

Greg Fry, WAMC News.