With over 700 visits to Bronx emergency rooms since May, thousands of bodegas band together with Klein & Torres to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers
Bodega Association of the USA endorses Klein’s legislation to stop sale of K2 in New York State
BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein, City Councilman Ritchie Torres, President of the Bodega Association of the United States (ASOBEU) Ramon Murphy, Northeast Regional Director of the National Action Network Minister Kirsten John Foy, and Bronx bodega owners today launched the “K.O. K2” campaign and announced that more than 1,700 bodegas have joined the pledge not to sell synthetic marijuana.
Each store participating in the campaign will prominently display a sign in their window indicating that the shop does not sell synthetic marijuana in an effort to “K.O. K2.”
Senator Klein said: “The ‘K.O. K2’ campaign is the first coordinated effort by elected officials and store owners to kick K2 out of local shops and remove this poison from our streets. More than 1,700 bodega owners have joined the pledge not to sell synthetic marijuana – marking a major step forward in the fight against synthetic drugs. I’m proud to partner with Councilman Ritchie Torres and the ASOBEU to launch this important campaign and will continue to push for the passage of my comprehensive K2 legislation in the state Senate.”
Councilman Ritchie Torres said: “We must take every measure to stop the sale and consumption of K2, a deadly drug that has already taken a tremendous toll on The Bronx. Unfortunately, it is going to take more than legislation to keep this poison out of our communities. I am proud to stand with Senator Jeff Klein and the ASOBEU to announce a coordinated campaign to get K2 out of our stores and off of our streets.”
Ramon Murphy, President of the ASOBEU, said: “A bodega is a family run business that serves the community and is part of the community. Dangerous drugs and illicit substances like K2 have no place in our stores and I am proud to announce the ASOBEU’s pledge not to sell K2 in New York State. It’s the ASOBEU’s promise that our customers and the entire community feel safe in our stores. I applaud Senator Klein’s efforts to outlaw K2 and fully support his legislation currently before the State Senate.”
The ASOBEU is comprised of 5,000 members with 35 percent or 1,750 stores located in The Bronx. The “K.O. K2” campaign encompasses all Bronx bodegas but also includes a coordinated, grassroots effort by community groups and local advocates to sign up grocery stores and smoke shops throughout the borough that are not strictly defined as “bodegas.”
The photos below are of State Senator Jeff Klein explaining why combating K2 is so very important, Councilman Ritchie Torres explaining what the city council is doing to combat the use of K2, and Ramon Murphy the President of the ASOBEU, and why it is so important that his 5,000 members do not sell K2, and other bodega owners who do not belong to his association. Also in the photos is Community Board 7 Chairperson Adaline Walker-Santiago.
Above - Senator Klein, Councilman Torres, CB 7 Chair Walker-Santiago, and ASEBOU President Murphy pose for photo in front of the sign informing customers that K2 is not sold at this bodega.
Below - A blow up of the K2 is not sold here poster.
