Ritchie Delivers $50,000 to Combat Drugs in Oswego County

Funding Will Assist Sheriff’s Department With Efforts to Crack Down on Drugs

As law enforcement officials across the region continue to wage war on drugs like heroin and meth, State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $50,000 to assist Oswego County in its fight to combat illegal substances. 

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie will help the Oswego County Sheriff’s Department purchase surveillance equipment that’s vital to the work they do to stop the spread of drugs in the county.

“From synthetic drugs to heroin, each and every day we hear and see stories of crime and even death related to the uptick in drug use across our region,” said Senator Ritchie.

“If we’re going to keep our communities free from drugs, we need provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to fight back.  I’m pleased to be able to provide these funds, and would like to thank the Sheriff’s Department for the important work they’re doing to stop the spread of illegal substances throughout Central New York.” Last year at a forum hosted by Senator Ritchie on heroin abuse, increased law enforcement was cited as one of the most important ways to stop the spread of heroin and other drugs. 

“Getting drugs out of the hands of users and dealers is critically important to making sure our county remains a safe place to live and raise a family,” said Oswego County Sheriff Reuel Todd. 

“Senator Ritchie has been a great partner in our efforts to spread the word about the dangers of drugs, and the funding she has provided will be invaluable as we continue to work to combat the drug problem in Oswego County.”

Funding secured by Senator Ritchie represents her most recent effort in the fight to stop the use of drugs in the region she represents.  A member of the Senate Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, Senator Ritchie last year secured $40,000 to restore an anti-drug abuse counseling and education program to all school districts in Oswego County.  In addition, legislation sponsored by Senator Ritchie to expand insurance coverage for treating heroin addiction was signed into law last year.

(Attn. photo editors: State Senator Patty Ritchie is pictured in the above photo with Oswego County Sheriff Reuel Todd)