After a decade of increasing numbers of overdose deaths, New York City has seen a significant decline, with deaths down 29% in 2024. While I am greatly encouraged by this, I recognize the lives lost have devastated thousands of family members and friends. There is much more to do. We will continue to expand upon strategies we have successfully employed to reduce the supply of fentanyl and educate New Yorkers about our dangerous illicit drug supply.

Sadly, almost a decade ago, our office foresaw the tragic consequences of the flood of fentanyl into New York City. We warned of fentanyl’s dangers in our 2016 Annual Report. The following year, fentanyl dominated our city’s illicit drug market. In 2017, we seized 491 pounds of fentanyl – 15 times more than the 32 pounds seized in 2016. For the past eight years, working with partners in law enforcement, drug treatment providers and public health experts, we focused on saving lives. Our tools are strategic prosecutions, education programs, and treatment as an alternative to prison when appropriate.

The New York City Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office has long been recognized for expertise in narcotics investigations, particularly our comprehensive, targeted method of upending sprawling narcotics operations. We have expanded our mission and increased our effectiveness by enhancing public outreach and education programs. Coordinating with schools and parent groups, our office has devoted substantial resources to educating middle and high school students, as well as teachers and parents, about the city's dangerous illicit drug supply. Our presentations include information on recognizing signs of an overdose and how to reverse it with Narcan.

As in our investigations, we use a targeted, analytic approach to outreach and education efforts, which are not limited to school settings. Because the highest number of overdose death in any age group in New York City are among those aged 55–64, we meet with older adults in senior centers across the city to share information about fentanyl contained in street drugs and in counterfeit pills sold through fake online pharmacies. Those who attend our programs educate others, expanding the impact of our outreach.

Today, drugs are increasingly sold through the marketplace in your pocket. Sales of drugs through social media and encrypted messaging apps have targeted young adults and teens. Too many have lost their lives when drugs they purchase contain deadly fentanyl that they never requested. It is critically important to encourage sponsors of social media and messaging apps to make removing drug dealers from their platforms a top priority.

Our website describes major investigations completed in 2024, and the recreational programs we have sponsored in neighborhoods where narcotics distribution prosecutions occurred. You will also learn about the units that are critical to the work of our office. Finally, thank you to the five New York City District Attorneys who oversee and support the work of the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.

Bridget G. Brennan