Orange County Gets Federal Help In War On Drugs

GOSHEN, NY (WCBS 880) - Orange County admits that it has problems with the Bloods and the Latin Kings gangs.

But now the White House says it will help the county fight the illegal drug trade.

"Newburgh clearly is a problem. Middletown has a significant drug presence," says District Attorney Francis Phillips, who is not happy that his county has been named as a high intensity drug trafficking area, but he welcomes the help.

"Given the limitations on local resources, clearly the federal assistance is very welcome," says Phillips. "The only way to deal with these organized gangs which are running the drug trade, particularly the Bloods here in Orange County, and to a certain extent, the Latin Kings, is to have federal resources directed at them.

WCBS 880's Catherine Cioffi With The DA

The designation means that federal, state, and local government will all work together to fight crime.

In:
• Newburgh
• White House
• Latin Kings