Pete Hegseth: We can't even stop the drugs coming across our ports of entry
Fox News host Pete Hegseth voices his concerns about drugs coming through the southern border on 'The Story.'
Progressive New York City Council members are pushing a bill that would pay drug users in the city to return used needles as the number of discarded needles on the streets continues to skyrocket.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, states that it would authorize the [Department of Health and Mental Hygiene] to set the buyback incentive, up to 20 cents per needle, syringe or sharp, with a cap of $10 per individual per day," New York Post reported.
The legislation, if approved, would start as a one-year pilot program that would then be evaluated by the New York City Department of Health to determine whether it would become permanent.
The bill states that the program would "only be open to individuals" who use the city's overdose prevention centers (OPC) "for drug consumption."
NEW YORK MAN AWAITING SOFT SENTENCE IN RAPE CASE SLAPPED WITH 7 NEW CHARGES
A member of a the Department of Sanitation Environmental Police collects used needles as part of a city sweep of a homeless encampment, September 22, 2022 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)
"The intent of the bill is to get those folks that are using on our streets and open spaces to bring back the dirty needle (possibly to opc site) as opposed to discarding them improperly," Ayala wrote on Twitter. Hearings are an opportunity to gather more information and make changes if necessary."
Ayala’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared open to the legislation in a comment from his office to the New York Post.
PHOENIX POLICE ARREST TWO IN 'LARGEST' FENTANYL SEIZURE IN DEPARTMENT HISTORY
Used needles are seen on the street during a city sweep of a homeless encampment, September 22, 2022 in New York City, New York (. (Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images))
"We welcome partnership with the Council to promote safe disposal of syringes and address community concerns, and will review the legislation," his office said.
Queens GOP councilwoman Joann Ariola told the New York Post she is opposed to the bill.
"It’s not going to benefit the person who is the drug addict who is using the needles," Ariola said. "It could be harmful to the person who is collecting these needles. And who’s paying the [twenty] cents per needle? Where is that money coming from? I think the taxpayers are paying for enough!," Ariola said.
INDIANAPOLIS CBP SEIZE 28 POUNDS OF DATE RAPE DRUG KETAMINE
New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks at the National Press Club during a press conference on gun violence and other issues on September 13, 2022. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
New York City's Department of Sanitation environmental police unit picked up 69,692 discarded needles so far this fiscal year which is more than double the number collected during the same time last year.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in October 2021 that decriminalized the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Additionally, police officers in New York City were told last year to stand down and not arrest drug users for needles even if they contained residue of a drug substance.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
