Schumer: Don't Cut Funds To Fight Heroin Trafficking

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer says Congress should reject President Barack Obama's plan to cut funding for a program that targets high-intensity drug trafficking.

The New York Democrat said Sunday that Obama's proposal to cut more than $50 million from the program would set back efforts to fight heroin abuse.

"This is one area I disagree with the president, and I'm going to fight to reverse his decision," Schumer told reporters, including WCBS 880's Jim Smith.

Listen to Schumer: Don't Cut Funds To Fight Heroin Trafficking

Schumer said the spread of dangerous opiates shows the need to boost funding for the initiative.

"Fentanyl-laced heroin -- 'China White' -- is deadly, more deadly itself," he said.

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program teams federal law enforcement with local police in designated areas.

Schumer said he'd like to see a $100 million increase.

There are now 28 such areas in 46 states.

In New York, the designated areas include the New York City metropolitan area. They also include some counties along the Hudson River and upstate.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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