Crime & Safety
Police Chief: Wyckoff Making 'Record Number' of Heroin Arrests
In a letter to residents, Chief Benjamin Fox explains how the nationwide increase in prescription drug and heroin abuse has become a 'Wyckoff problem.'
Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox posted a letter about heroin use in the township on the town's website, and sent it to residents as an email blast Friday afternoon. In the letter, printed below, Fox outlines his concerns about what he says is a dramatic increase in the number of prescription pill and heroin arrests happening in Wyckoff.
Residents,
The illegal use of pain killing prescription drugs which leads to the use of heroin is at an all time high throughout our nation. It is truly an epidemic.
Although it may be a national issue, as your Chief of Police I'm here to tell you that this problem is very real right here in Wyckoff. Our teenagers and young adults, potentially your children, are taking these drugs and becoming addicted.
They typically begin taking Oxycodone, Percoset or other pain killing medications as a recreational type of drug use. These medications are highly addictive and very expensive on the illegal market selling at $30-$80 per pill.
Once addicted and unable to afford the pills, they begin using heroin which can be purchased for significantly less. The move to heroin is made because their addicted body craves the drug, and the heroin gives them a similar high. Persons addicted to heroin and pain killing drugs will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to satisfy their need for the drug.
The Wyckoff Police Department is arresting adults and juveniles who live right here in Wyckoff in record numbers. To me, that shifts it from a national problem to a Wyckoff problem. I have an obligation to help do something about it. Which is why I'm telling you about it.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office under the direction of Prosecutor John L. Molinelli also understands the extent of this problem as it exists on the county level. Prosecutor Molinelli recently ran a series of ads directed at this issue. I've included these ads on our website because they are of extreme importance. His message is powerful.
For parents, it's kind of scary. Above all it's important for you to know and understand the extent of this problem. Please read this information provided by the Prosecutor's Office.
In the fourth article, Prosecutor Molinelli makes you a promise. I offer the identical promise. If you need help, if a family member or a friend needs help, call us at 201-891-2121. We'll talk to you on the phone. We'll come and talk to you at your home. We will not arrest anyone. What we will do is offer assistance and guide you in obtaining the help you might need.
One more thing. Do you know someone who may be addicted, but you really don't think it's that bad because they tell you that they have it under control? Your failure to act could be a fatal mistake.
Residents,
The illegal use of pain killing prescription drugs which leads to the use of heroin is at an all time high throughout our nation. It is truly an epidemic.
Although it may be a national issue, as your Chief of Police I'm here to tell you that this problem is very real right here in Wyckoff. Our teenagers and young adults, potentially your children, are taking these drugs and becoming addicted.
They typically begin taking Oxycodone, Percoset or other pain killing medications as a recreational type of drug use. These medications are highly addictive and very expensive on the illegal market selling at $30-$80 per pill.
Once addicted and unable to afford the pills, they begin using heroin which can be purchased for significantly less. The move to heroin is made because their addicted body craves the drug, and the heroin gives them a similar high. Persons addicted to heroin and pain killing drugs will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to satisfy their need for the drug.
The Wyckoff Police Department is arresting adults and juveniles who live right here in Wyckoff in record numbers. To me, that shifts it from a national problem to a Wyckoff problem. I have an obligation to help do something about it. Which is why I'm telling you about it.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office under the direction of Prosecutor John L. Molinelli also understands the extent of this problem as it exists on the county level. Prosecutor Molinelli recently ran a series of ads directed at this issue. I've included these ads on our website because they are of extreme importance. His message is powerful.
For parents, it's kind of scary. Above all it's important for you to know and understand the extent of this problem. Please read this information provided by the Prosecutor's Office.
In the fourth article, Prosecutor Molinelli makes you a promise. I offer the identical promise. If you need help, if a family member or a friend needs help, call us at 201-891-2121. We'll talk to you on the phone. We'll come and talk to you at your home. We will not arrest anyone. What we will do is offer assistance and guide you in obtaining the help you might need.
One more thing. Do you know someone who may be addicted, but you really don't think it's that bad because they tell you that they have it under control? Your failure to act could be a fatal mistake.
See important messages from the Bergen County Prosecutor listed below.
Bergen County Prosecutor's Drug & Alcohol Message #1
Bergen County Prosecutor's Drug & Alcohol Message #2
Bergen County Prosecutor's Drug & Alcohol Message #3
Bergen County Prosecutor's Drug & Alcohol Message #4
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