Senator Ken LaValle: Strengthen Penalties for Meth-Related Crimes and to Assist In Preventing the Use of Parks or Playgrounds for Drug Activity

March 11, 2015 - Senator Ken LaValle reports that the State Senate passed two drug prevention bills to combat the spread of methamphetamine use in and to help prevent parks and playgrounds from being used by drug dealers.

Senator LaValle said, “We need to toughen laws to put more methamphetamine manufacturers and sellers behind bars.  Our law enforcement officers do outstanding work apprehending the criminals, and we need to provide the prosecutors with the necessary tools to help make our communities safer.”

Domestic methamphetamine availability is at a five-year high and is likely the result of increasing large-scale production in Mexico and small-scale production in the United States. While meth has been traditionally associated with western and southern regions of the country, its influence, sale, and possession are moving steadily towards the East Coast. By implementing stricter anti-meth laws, the bill would align New York with similar measures in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts.

The Senate Legislation (S1150) would deter the growing use of methamphetamine in New York by strengthening penalties for the sale and possession of meth and make them consistent with penalties for crimes involving heroin and cocaine.

The second piece of legislation passed by the Senate aims to make parks and playgrounds safer. The bill (S994) would increase penalties for individuals who sell drugs in playgrounds and parks.

This measure expands upon current New York State law, which penalizes people who sell drugs on school grounds or day-care centers, to include parks and playgrounds that may not be attached to schools. The bill would help law enforcement prosecute drug dealers who use parks and playgrounds in an effort to target children.

The bills were transferred to the Assembly for consideration.

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