Ritchie Commends St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force In Sweeping Raid

State Senator Patty Ritchie is applauding the work by the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force for their role in a massive drug bust that saw more than 100 people arrested.

The investigation, which had been ongoing since August 2016, identified individuals from St. Lawrence County, Syracuse, New York City, Buffalo and New Jersey as having a role in this drug ring, which involved heroin and cocaine. 

“Combating the drug epidemic is tough and requires a multi-pronged approach,” said Senator Ritchie, who serves as a member of the Senate’s Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction.  “On behalf of St. Lawrence County residents, I would like to thank Sheriff Wells and the brave men and women of the Drug Task Force, the Massena Police Department, the New York State Police and Homeland Security for their dedication to keep our communities safe.”

“To be successful at what the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force does, it takes a lot of time, energy and resources,” said St. Lawrence County Sheriff Kevin Wells.  “The entire Drug Task Force would like to thank Senator Ritchie for her support over the years, ensuring that we have the tools necessary to keep our streets clean and provide excellent public protection.”

Over the last four years, Senator Ritchie has delivered more than $200,000 in special state funding for the St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force, which is a multi-group task force made up of numerous law enforcement agencies throughout St. Lawrence County.  These funds assisted in offsetting the cost of vital surveillance equipment and radios, road vehicles and personal protective equipment.