BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County Sheriff’s office is sending a message to the public today: “Your drugs are not safe”
Erie County law enforcement officials stood beside local, state, and federal agencies today as they announced three recent arrests and several drug seizures.
Leaders say the arrests and activity happened across Erie County spanning throughout Amherst, Kenmore, and the city of Buffalo.
The substances that were found were large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. According to data, most overdose deaths in Erie County are related to fentanyl mixed with cocaine.
“The mixture is more fentanyl than cocaine and why is that? Fentanyl is a lot cheaper than cocaine, so as I said before this is about greed” said Erie County Sheriff, John Garcia.
Today’s announcement by law enforcement highlights a bigger problem in Erie County: a record rise in drug overdose fatalities.
“Households that have been affected, those are children left behind, those are grandparents being left to care for the children,” said Rashone Scott-Williams.
Scott-Williams is the founder and CEO of Western New York Mobile Overdose Prevention Services. She’s been able to establish free Narcan distribution sites across the Buffalo area.
“The first words that I would use is honestly to pick up the phone. Ask for help. Tell someone. Tell someone you trust” Rashone says.
If you or someone you know, is struggling with addiction and are looking for one of WNY OPS hotspots, click here.