Open-air drug market in South Bronx catches attention of Rep. Ritchie Torres

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Rep Ritchie Torres is urging the city to take immediate action against an open-air drug market occurring on East 149th Street in the South Bronx, where drug use and distribution are rampant in broad daylight. Luis Garcia, who often hangs out on 149th Street, described a scene he once saw. “It was 11 people sitting at the end of the sidewalk, shooting heroin in the street, and the kids are going back to school," he says. Renee Jones, a self-described drug user, expressed the need for support rather than judgment. “We just need some help mentally, physically, and emotionally,” she said. Groups like Samaritan Daytop Village provide outreach, distributing food and resources in known areas of drug activity. Rep. Torres is calling for multiagency action. “When I saw drug users injecting themselves in front of children, I said, 'enough is enough,'” Torres said. “We're creating a dangerous set of conditions that are putting the public health of the Bronx at risk.” In response, a City Hall spokesperson said, "Our administration has been squarely focused on keeping New Yorkers safe, and we can balance livability with safety and connection to services. We are aware of the concerns Congressman Torres raised in his letter and look forward to partnering with him to ensure a safe and livable city for New Yorkers." "