Unbelievably, criminals in Long Island, New York have stooped to a new low by installing vending machines that sell crack pipes. Placed illegally in public spaces, these machines were originally designed to sell tampons, but have been repurposed to distribute dangerous drug paraphernalia to anyone, from addicts to curious children.
Thankfully, the police have taken action and removed three crack pipe vending machines from Long Island, preventing easy access to these harmful items. Suffolk County has long battled drug abuse issues, and while the police department is working tirelessly to combat the problem, it often feels like an uphill battle. As they tackle one issue, criminals find new ways to exploit the system, such as converting tampon dispensers to sell crack pipes.
The vending machines, which sell “Sketch Pens,” are an affront to the public and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the community. Criminals are charging two dollars per ceramic tube, further profiting from the misery of individuals struggling with addiction.
The identity of those responsible for installing these vending machines remains unknown. It is possible that drug dealers themselves are behind it, or it could be the work of an opportunistic entrepreneur seeking to capitalize on the market without legal permits.
These vending machines dispense ceramic “pens” that include a filter, making it convenient for users to smoke the dangerous and addictive drug. The Suffolk County Police Department is determined to get to the bottom of this absurd issue and is actively investigating the individuals or groups responsible for installing the machines in public bathrooms.
Initially, some considered the existence of these machines as a joke, but upon closer inspection, it became evident that this was a serious problem. Michael Loguercio, a councilman for Brookhaven Town District 4, expressed his disbelief in an interview with The New York Post, saying, “At first, we were like, ‘Could this be a joke?’ But then we saw how intricate it was and realized it wasn’t a joke.”
Residents, who long for the police to eliminate the drug problem plaguing their community, could not fathom the audacity of criminals installing drug paraphernalia vending machines in public restrooms. Suffolk County witnessed a shocking 337 heroin-related deaths between 2009 and 2013, making it the county with the highest death rate from drug overdoses in New York state.
Anthony Minichini, a Suffolk County resident, simply wants this criminal activity to cease. He stumbled upon one of these crack vending machines near a bus stop and expressed his disbelief by saying, “Wow! You learn something new every day. Suffolk County on the side of the road next to bus stops, a crack pipe vending machine. Really?”
Local government officials share these sentiments. Ed Romaine, the Brookhaven Town Supervisor, highlighted the troubling reality, saying, “People that were selling crack, obviously there was trouble from their potential users getting crack pipes, and they thought this would be an ingenious solution.”
Currently, the median price of a home in Suffolk County is $376,700, more than double the national median price for existing homes in the United States. While drug users in Long Island may find it easy to purchase these “sketch pens,” in Suffolk County, they are sold in vending machines, further exacerbating the drug problem.
It is crucial for the authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible for these illegal vending machines, as it is necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the community. The resilience and determination of the Suffolk County Police Department are commendable in their pursuit of justice and a safer future for all residents.
