U.S. Senator Charles Schumer characterizes Broome County as a hotbed of drug trafficking activity.The New York Senator was in Broome April 10 to announce his push to designate Broome a Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, otherwise known as HIDTA.

The designation could funnel more federal resources to local law enforcement to fight heroin sales and use and other drug crimes.

Schumer acknowledges that local officials are fighting a valiant fight, but need more support to pay for personnel, overtime and prevention and treatment programs.

The Democrat is seeking the designation from the President’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.

A decision is expected over the next several months.

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