NYC’s top drug prosecutor blasts ‘how-to’ pamphlet for IV drug users

NYC prosecutor blasts ‘how-to’ drug pamphlet

NEW YORK — A New York City prosecutor says that a city brochure that teaches intravenous drug users how to shoot up safely is wrongheaded because “there is no safe way to inject heroin.”

Special narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan said Tuesday the brochure was brought to her attention by someone who received it at a meeting about drug abuse and the courts. Brennan said she was especially concerned because of a glut of heroin on the market in New York City and its increased use by young people.

But health officials said the pamphlet saves lives. It is distributed at homeless shelters, jails and syringe exchange programs. Its tips include “prepare drugs carefully” and “take care of your veins.” It does not specifically use the word “heroin.”