Following months of combating drug-related issues in the city of Rye, police announced on Sept. 8 that they had arrested a resident who allegedly intended to sell prescription medication.
Police said Rye resident Brian Levinson, 24, was arrested with more than 100 pills including oxycodone and a small amount of suboxone, which is a semisynthetic opioid derivative used to treat opioid addiction. On Sept. 7, Levinson was charged with a felony of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.
Levinson was processed, arraigned and released on a $2,000 bail.
Rye City Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran said he is “extremely proud” of the investigative work conducted by the Police Department in the arrest of Levinson; however, he noted that its efforts to continue pursuing drug dealers within the city, even if it means residents, will continue. “We will aggressively pursue, arrest and prosecute anyone suspected of selling controlled substances in our community,” Corcoran said.
The arrest comes with added significance, as the city has struggled with a rapid increase of opioid usage within the community. Since 2014, six former Rye High School students have died of drug and alcohol-related causes.
In June, police also began investigating a string of drug-related burglaries that has affected homeowners on Harbor Lane, Oakland Beach Avenue and Riverside View. Although not yet confirmed, police alleged the suspect, a young white female who is still believed to be at large, is an opioid addict who raided homes for prescription medication.
With growing concerns over the drug surge in the city, police recently amped up efforts to combat the epidemic by establishing an anonymous crime tip program. Rye police began allowing residents to submit crime tips through texting, emailing and a link on the Department’s website or Facebook page since July 15.
Levinson is due back in Rye City Court on Oct. 4.
