Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C,I-Lafayette) is continually disappointed with New York’s decision to relax laws designed to punish drug lords and those who bring illicit substances onto our streets and into our communities. Following the news that the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force arrested over a dozen people on conspiracy charges in relation to the biggest drug bust in the region in over 10 years, Lemondes is as energized as ever to fight against the continued plague that is illegal drugs in our communities.

“I really want to commend the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force, because it’s thanks to them that the criminals who were shipping fentanyl and cocaine from New York City and Rochester into our community are ready to be put behind bars,” Lemondes said. “Our local law enforcement has worked dutifully to protect our community from these criminals and these substances, but everyday stories are shared from families who have loved ones who fall victim to these drugs. It breaks my heart, and it’s a painful reminder that New York State needs to do more.

“For all the public funds wasted in this state, there never seems to be enough for drug prevention and rehabilitation. It was only this year that we voted in the Assembly to provide transportation services to recovering addicts as they go through their rehabilitation process. We need to be more actively responding to this crisis in our state, for the sake of those who we have lost to this epidemic, and for the sake of those we should save,” Lemondes concluded.