The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
New York

Former Police Commissioner Slams NYC’s Vending Machines for Drug Addicts

Instead of steering addicts away from drugs, the city is implementing measures that have the opposite effect, the former officer claims

Former Police Commissioner Slams NYC’s Vending Machines for Drug Addicts
The Adams administration health officials unveil a new vending machine that will disperse fentanyl test strips and naloxone as well as hygiene kits, maxi pads, vitamin C, and COVID-19 tests for free in New York City, in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 5, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Naveen Athrappully
Naveen Athrappully
Reporter
6/19/2023|Updated: 6/19/2023
0:00

Former New York Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton has criticized New York City’s decision to install vending machines that provide items for drug addicts such as crack pipes and fentanyl test strips, warning that the move encourages people to continue using drugs.

“The world has turned upside down,” Bratton said in an interview with 77 WABC radio’s “The Cats Roundtable” with John Catsimatidis on June 18 while talking about the city’s drug situation. “Instead of trying to get people away from drugs, we have policies now where we have vending machines to encourage them to stay on drugs. We’re going to make it safer for you to use drugs so you can spend the rest of your life not trying to get off drugs but to stay on drugs.”
Naveen Athrappully
Naveen Athrappully
Reporter
Naveen Athrappully is a news reporter covering business and world events at The Epoch Times.
Author’s Selected Articles

Education Department Opens Investigations Into 18 Institutions on Men Competing in Women’s Sports

Jan 14, 2026
Education Department Opens Investigations Into 18 Institutions on Men Competing in Women’s Sports

Trump Warns Iran of ‘Very Strong Action’ if Regime Hangs Protesters

Jan 13, 2026
Trump Warns Iran of ‘Very Strong Action’ if Regime Hangs Protesters

DHS Calls on Minnesota to Honor ICE Arrest Detainers of More Than 1,360 Criminal Illegal Aliens

Jan 13, 2026
DHS Calls on Minnesota to Honor ICE Arrest Detainers of More Than 1,360 Criminal Illegal Aliens

DOGE Cancels Contracts Worth $1.5 Billion Over a 5-Day Period

Jan 13, 2026
DOGE Cancels Contracts Worth $1.5 Billion Over a 5-Day Period
Related Topics
drug addiction
fentanyl
NYC vending machine
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.