NYPD deploys 125 additional cops on anti-drug patrols; cops say open-air trading increases shootings in NYC

The NYPD has deployed 125 cops to narcotics patrols to step up its efforts to crack down on “an entrenched street trade” that has sparked police complaints from numerous New Yorkers, Detectives Chief James Essig said Friday.

Essig said the goal is to make secret purchases that result in a significant prison sentence. Police will also make arrests at a lower level, even if they only send suspects to jail for a short time, Essig added.

In addition, according to Essig, the police hope that a more aggressive approach to the drug trade will reduce the number of shootings, since many people involved in the illegal drug trade are armed.

NYPD Chief James Essig

“Whether the DA decides to prosecute or not, our job is to get them off the streets and make them feel uncomfortable,” Essig said. “They can’t stay there with guns on the corners and deal drugs.”

Chef said that too often the drug dealer was caught selling drugs to the user, and he ended up citing possession or even disorderly conduct.

“And we’re not talking about selling marijuana,” he said. “We talk about cocaine, fetanyl, heroin, right openly, brazenly on the streets. They openly sell and carry weapons, which leads to gunfights.”

NYPD spotted on the corner of 8th Avenue at West 44 Street where a man was shot Thursday.  February 9, 2023

“Even if they just spend a day or two in jail, they won’t feel comfortable in there with a gun on their hip, spreading drugs around the neighborhood.”

About 20% of shootings in recent months have been drug-related, Essig said.

For example, on February 9, 22-year-old Idrissa Sibi was shot dead at 44th Street and Eighth Avenue, on the western edge of Times Square, in a drug-related shooting involving multiple suspects, police said. One suspect was arrested in New Jersey this week.

Most recently, on February 15, a 44-year-old ex-con was gunned down while driving past 163rd Street and Riverside Drive in Washington Heights. According to police, a bag of drugs and 10 mobile phones were found next to the victim’s body. No arrest was made.

Essig said teams of 10 narcotics cops will focus on hot spots people are complaining about, including Jamaica, East New York and East Flatbush.

Content Source

California Press News – Latest News:
Los Angeles Local News || Bay Area Local News || California News || Lifestyle News || National news || Travel News || Health News

Related Articles

Back to top button