Suffolk Reporter

A recent editorial in Newsday, titled “Fentanyl tragedy continues on LI,” highlighted the sentencing of a local drug dealer whose fentanyl-laced drugs led to several deaths and overdoses on the East End of Long Island. The Newsday editorial board argued that the punishment was too lenient. Senator Anthony Palumbo concurs with this sentiment and notes that a solution has been proposed but not acted upon in Albany.

"My colleagues and I have been fighting for my legislation to increase penalties in New York for drug dealers who knowingly lace drugs with fentanyl that kills," Palumbo stated. Despite support from many legislators, victims’ families, and the Suffolk County District Attorney, legislative leadership has not advanced the bill for a vote.

In January, Palumbo joined Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, members of Suffolk County law enforcement, and crime victims’ advocates to promote bipartisan legislation aimed at combating the fentanyl epidemic. Palumbo's bill, Chelsey’s Law (S.7790), is named after Chelsey Murray, a 31-year-old Suffolk County resident who fatally overdosed on fentanyl poisoning traced back to her supplier in August 2022. The proposed law seeks to increase penalties for those who knowingly sell narcotics laced with fentanyl.

"The fentanyl epidemic has impacted every corner of our state and every segment of society," Palumbo remarked. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue without delay.

Palumbo praised regional law enforcement, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, and local non-profits for their efforts in battling fentanyl but called on the Democrat-controlled Senate and Assembly to take action. "This is not a partisan issue; this is a common sense approach that can save lives," he asserted.

While acknowledging that increasing penalties is not the sole solution to the crisis, Palumbo believes it should be part of a comprehensive strategy to combat an epidemic that has devastated numerous families across New York. He expressed hope that Newsday's Editorial Board would support these measures in the 2025 Legislative Session.

Senator Anthony Palumbo serves as the Ranking Republican member of the State Senate’s Codes and Judiciary Committees.