NCJ Number
128471
Date Published
1986
Length
291 pages
Annotation
Testimony before the U.S. House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control meeting in New York City (1986) reviews the extent of the crack threat in New York State, existing efforts to counter it, and ways to improve countermeasures.
Abstract
Testimony is presented by members of the U.S. Congress, the Governor of New York, the Mayor of New York City, and representatives of New York law enforcement, prosecution, and education. Witnesses agree that crack -- a purified, inexpensive, concentrated form of cocaine that is highly addictive and depressive -- has been spreading in its use and effects in New York State. Governor Mario Cuomo calls for presidential leadership in formulating a national policy for countering the drug threat, and he advocates a governors' conference in association with Federal officials to mount a Federal-State cooperative effort against the drug epidemic. Mayor Koch of New York City documents the extent of crack use in his city and also calls for greater Federal efforts to interdict drug trafficking using the military. Other witnesses also note the threat of crack, particularly among youth, and recommend greater efforts in drug abuse education in the schools, more funding for drug law enforcement, and stiffer sanctions for crack dealers. Appended written statements and supplementary materials.