Press Releases

Monticello, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today announced Sullivan County will be designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). This designation provides increased federal resources, coordination, and intelligence to help combat drug trafficking, disrupt criminal networks, and reduce fatal overdoses. It is the result of a sustained bipartisan push from Rep. Molinaro, Senator Schumer, and local partners.

Sullivan County is in dire need of resources to treat those struggling with addiction and combat the trafficking and distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and other drugs. It is located on a traffic corridor between New York City, New Jersey, and western New York that is known for its use as a mechanism to traffic narcotics. According to the most recent NYS Department of Health statistics, Sullivan County had a fatal overdose rate of 45.0 per 100,000, the highest per capita rate in New York State.

Rep. Molinaro said, “This is a turning point for Sullivan County. The designation will unlock critical federal resources to combat drug trafficking, expand treatment options for those suffering with addiction, and ultimately, save lives. Senator Schumer has been a leader on this bipartisan endeavor and I’m proud to have joined him and our dedicated local partners in pushing for this long overdue step. We are poised to make a profound difference for Sullivan County.”