How do I report drug activity?
How do I report suspicious or illegal activity regarding prescription controlled substances?
How do I report a drug poisoning?
What should I do with unused prescription drugs?
How do I report narcotics activity?
What should I do if I have concerns about someone’s drug use?
What is a narcotic drug?
What is a controlled substance?
What about marijuana?
What is a felony?
What are the other arrest charges in New York?
What are the penalties for drug-related offenses in New York?
What was the effect of the Drug Law Reform Acts?
Who decides what sentence someone will get?
How is the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) staffed and funded?
What can SNP do for my community?
How do I report drug activity?
In an emergency, call 911.
- Call 911 to report outdoor drug use or sale in progress or indoor drug use or sale involving weapons or a dispute.
NYPD Crime Stoppers
- 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477)
- Spanish: 1-800-57PISTA (1-800-577-4782)
NYC Drug Hotline
- 1-888-374-DRUG (1-888-374-3784)
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How do I report suspicious or illegal activity regarding prescription controlled substances?
The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is the law enforcement arm of the New York State Department of Health. BNE is responsible for protecting the public health by combating the illegal use and trafficking of prescription controlled substances. Narcotic Investigators investigate suspected drug diversion or illegal sales involving theft, forgery, and fraudulent visits to practitioners' offices and work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement. The Bureau also prevents prescription drug abuse through educational materials and presentations for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.
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How do I report a drug poisoning?
In an emergency, call 911.
- Call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
New York City Poison Control Center
Operated by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the poison control center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by registered pharmacists and nurses certified in poison information.
- Emergency Hotline: 212-POISONS (212-764-7667) or 1-800-222-1222
- For language translation services and assistance for the hearing impaired, call (TDD) 212-689-9014
- Visit the website
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What should I do with unused prescription drugs?
Unused prescription drugs left in medicine cabinets can invite theft and abuse. The FDA provides instruction on how to properly dispose of medications at www.fda.gov. Look for Take-Back Programs offered by law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration. Other methods include mixing medication with used coffee grounds or kitty litter before disposal. Flushing is generally discouraged for environmental reasons, with some exceptions.
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How do I report narcotics activity?
In an emergency, call 911.
Narcotics activity can be reported directly to the New York City Police Department by calling Crime Stoppers: 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477) or Crime Stoppers (Spanish): 1-800-57PISTA (1-800-577-4782).
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What should I do if I have concerns about someone’s drug use?
In an emergency, call 911.
For city residents, LIFENET offers 24-hour crisis intervention services through the Mental Health Association of New York City and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
- 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638)
- In Spanish: 1-877-AYUDESE (1-877-298-3373)
- In Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean dialects: (1-877-990-8585)
- All other languages: 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638)
- Visit the website
For non-emergency calls in New York State, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services offers a 24-hour hotline for alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling.
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What is a narcotic drug?
Narcotics are “hard” drugs, such as cocaine, crack-cocaine and heroin, and are considered to be the most dangerous for users. A number of prescription medications are also narcotics, including OxyContin and other similar opiates. A full list is contained in the New York State Penal Law and the New York State Public Health Law.
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What is a controlled substance?
A wide range of drugs are classified as controlled substances. Narcotics are one type of controlled substance. Ecstasy, methamphetamine and other “designer” drugs are also controlled substances, as are narcotic “preparations” like Vicodin. Controlled substances are defined in the New York State Penal Law and the New York State Public Health Law.
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What about marijuana?
Marijuana is a different category of drug than either narcotics or controlled substances. It is illegal to possess or sell marijuana in New York. The top charge for marijuana is a C felony for sale of more than one pound or possession of more than ten pounds. Penalties for selling or possessing marijuana are much lower than for the sale or possession of the same quantity of a narcotic drug or controlled substance.
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What is a felony?
Felonies are the most serious type of criminal offense and carry a permissible sentence of one or more years in state prison. They are divided into five classes: “A", "B", "C", "D", and "E.” An “A” felony is the most serious, and an "E" felony is the least serious. The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) has citywide jurisdiction for felony narcotics cases.
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What are the other arrest charges in New York?
Violations carry a maximum 15-day term of incarceration. While they can lead to arrest, they are not defined as crimes. Misdemeanors are punishable by a sentence of 15 days to one year imprisonment and are divided into two classes: "A" and "B." The maximum term of imprisonment for an "A" misdemeanor is one year and the maximum term for a "B" misdemeanor is three months.
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What are the penalties for drug-related offenses in New York?
Laws governing the prosecution of drug crimes cover a wide range of activity, and there are many factors that impact penalties. The severity of a penalty depends on whether a person is selling or simply possessing drugs, the quantity and type of drug involved and whether there is a prior criminal record. Generally the sale of drugs is considered to be a more serious crime than possession.
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Who decides what sentence someone will get?
A judge determines what sentence a defendant will receive after conviction. Defendants have the option of going on trial or pleading guilty. If a defendant is found guilty at trial or pleads guilty to the highest charge, a judge will determine what sentence a defendant will receive based on the associated sentencing range for the crime. A judge will often consider a defendant’s prior criminal record, as well as the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
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What was the effect of the Drug Law Reform Acts?
The Drug Law Reform Acts of 2004 and 2005 repealed the Rockefeller Drug Laws, eliminated mandatory life sentences and lowered penalties for most drug crimes. Court-ordered drug treatment programs have also been expanded.
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How is the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) staffed and funded?
The Special Narcotics Prosecutor is an independent prosecutor appointed by the five District Attorneys in New York City to head the office. All of the five District Attorneys assign Assistant District Attorneys from their staffs to serve in SNP. The office’s budget covers operational costs and salaries for legal, managerial and support staff. This budget is funded by the city, state and federal government.
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What can SNP do for my community?
SNP is committed to serving residents of New York City by enforcing drug laws that protect neighborhoods. Community participation is vital to this mission. By responding to community concerns, the office seeks to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
The Director of Community Outreach meets with community and religious leaders, block associations, tenants’ groups, the New York City Housing Authority and other groups to address local drug problems, while conferring regularly with NYPD officials to devise strategies to combat crime and strengthen neighborhoods.
Experienced prosecutors also offer lectures to schools and youth groups on topics ranging from drug laws and gang activity to alternatives to incarceration.
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