DEA Chicago Field Division Warns of Increasing Meth Threat Ahead of Summer Concerts and Festivals

 

As communities throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin attend outdoor concerts, festivals, fairs and other large gatherings this summer, the Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division is warning the public about the growing threat posed by illicit methamphetamine and counterfeit pills.

The warning comes as DEA investigations continue to identify illicit pills sold as MDMA, ecstasy, “Molly,” counterfeit Adderall and other stimulants that instead contain methamphetamine or other dangerous substances. Manufactured in illicit laboratories with no quality control or regulatory oversight, these pills leave users with no reliable way of knowing what they are actually consuming.

The warning is reinforced by a significant increase in methamphetamine enforcement activity by the DEA Chicago Field Division across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. During the first seven months of 2026, DEA seized more methamphetamine than during all of calendar year 2025.

Methamphetamine Seizure Trends

• January–July 2026: 3,038 pounds seized
• Calendar Year 2025: 2,314 pounds seized

“A decade ago, methamphetamine wasn’t a drug we routinely encountered in the Chicago area in this quantity. Today, it’s everywhere, and it’s increasingly showing up in counterfeit pills marketed as Molly, ecstasy and other party drugs,” said DEA Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Todd C. Smith. “Drug trafficking organizations don’t care what’s stamped on the pill or what someone thinks they’re buying. They care about making money. These counterfeit pills are manufactured in filthy, makeshift laboratories with no quality control, no oversight and no regard for human life. If you’re taking a pill that didn’t come from a licensed pharmacy, you’re gambling with your health because there’s simply no way to know what’s inside.”

DEA reminds the public that counterfeit pills are intentionally designed to resemble legitimate pharmaceuticals or popular recreational drugs, making them virtually impossible to identify by appearance alone. The safest choice is to avoid taking any pill that was not prescribed specifically to you or dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.

DEA is also encouraging parents and caregivers to have open, judgment-free conversations with teenagers and young adults before they attend concerts, festivals, sporting events or other large gatherings.

“Parents and families play an important role in keeping their loved ones safe,” Smith said. “Before they head out to a concert, festival or any large gathering, have the conversation. Talk about the dangers of counterfeit drugs but also talk about what to do if something doesn’t feel right. Every young person should know where their ‘exits’ are – the trusted friend they can call, the family member who will pick them up, or the safe place they can go without fear of getting in trouble. We all plan for emergencies when we travel. We should do the same before a night out. Having an exit strategy before you need one could save a life.”

DEA encourages families to discuss a simple safety plan before attending large events:

• Never accept pills or substances from friends, acquaintances or strangers.
• Stay with trusted friends and look out for one another.
• Keep a charged cell phone readily available.
• Identify a trusted family member or friend who can provide a safe ride home at any time.
• Leave immediately if a situation becomes unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Seek immediate medical attention if someone exhibits signs of overdose or severe distress.

For additional drug prevention information and resources, visit www.dea.gov/onepill. 

ICE Asks Texas to Not Release Criminal Illegal Alien Charged for Double Murder in Texas

 

This illegal alien was released into the country by the Obama Administration

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking Texas to not release an illegal alien charged with two fatal shootings in Harris County.

According to local reporting, the suspect is Jefferson Adonay Velasquez-Torres, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador. Velasquez-Torres was arrested following a shooting outside a nightclub in Houston on April 27, which killed 27-year-old Noah Ramirez. Velasquez-Torres had already been charged for his involvement in a prior shooting at a house party in Houston on August 30, 2025, which killed 17-year-old Angel Garcia.

The suspect: Jefferson Adonay Velasquez-Torres

The August 2025 victim: 17-year-old Angel Garcia

The April 2026 victim: 27-year-old Noah Ramirez

Velasquez-Torres is now charged with TWO counts of murder, as well as unlawfully carrying a weapon and aggravated robbery. ICE has lodged a detainer with the Harris County Jail asking officials to not release him without notifying ICE.

“This criminal illegal alien has been charged with TWO counts of murder after two fatal shootings in Houston,” said Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “He would not be in our country if it weren’t for the reckless open-border policies of the Obama Administration. ICE asked officials in Texas to not release this heinous murderer from jail without notifying ICE. Thankfully, Texas cooperates with us and together we will ensure this public safety threat will never be loose on our streets.”

Velasquez-Torres illegally entered the United States through Texas as a minor in 2014. He was then RELEASED into the country by the Obama Administration.

Image

CEO of Skincare Company Pleads Guilty to FDCA Charges and Mail Fraud

 

Bryce Cleveland, the President and CEO of Scalpa, Inc., pleaded guilty to three charges related to Scalpa’s selling of skincare products that had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Cleveland, 42, of Scottsdale, Arizona, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, introduction of an adulterated device into interstate commerce, and introduction of an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce. Cleveland was apprehended late last year in Colombia and removed back to the United States where he was arrested on an outstanding federal warrant by the U.S. Marshals Service after an indictment against him was returned in July 2024. 

In 2015, Scalpa was a for-profit corporation incorporated in Arizona that marketed and sold medical devices and drug products intended to affect the structure and function of the human body. Between March 2018 and December 2020, Cleveland devised a fraudulent scheme to unlawfully enrich himself by marketing and delivering, and causing others to market and deliver, unapproved devices to consumers, including the ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Acid, and Hyaluron Pen, while making false representations that the devices were not subject to FDA regulation. Similarly, Cleveland introduced and delivered, and caused others to introduce and deliver, the unapproved new drug “Scalpatox” into commerce.  

The ScalpaJECT Hyaluronic Pen, Hylaron Pen, and similar unapproved and misbranded devices and drugs are especially concerning from a public health perspective because injectable drug products can pose risks of serious harm to users. Injectable products are delivered directly into the body, sometimes directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, bypass some of the body’s key defenses against toxins and microorganisms that can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.

Scalpatox was an unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin product. On Nov. 5, 2025, the FDA issued a warning to owners of websites illegally marketing unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products, commonly called Botox. The agency is aware of adverse events associated with unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products, including botulism symptoms.

Cleveland has agreed to be sentenced to a prison term of between four and eight years. He has also agreed to pay restitution for the entire scope of his criminal conduct, and to forfeit $800,000. 

The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá. The U.S. Marshals Service provided exceptional assistance in locating the defendant in Colombia and facilitating his return to the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Randy Ramseyer for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Taylor Broadbent of the Criminal Division’s Health and Safety Unit are prosecuting the case.

The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Devon Allen

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Devon Allen, who died on April 30, 2024 following an encounter with members of a joint New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force in Manhattan. After a thorough investigation, which included interviews with involved officers and civilian witnesses, review of NYPD Crime Scene Unit paperwork and photographs, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on April 30, officers from a joint NYPD and HSI Task Force were searching for Mr. Allen, who was suspected of committing a previous assault and was wanted for questioning regarding an ongoing federal investigation. When officers approached Mr. Allen on the street, he attempted to run away, and then a struggle ensued between two officers and Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen and the officers fell into a nearby business and continued wrestling as the officers attempted to handcuff Mr. Allen. During the struggle, Mr. Allen repeatedly attempted to grab the pouch he was wearing across his chest. A detective put his hand on the pouch and felt a gun. The detective then yelled to the other officers that Mr. Allen had a gun. The detective and one other officer discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a gun from Mr. Allen’s pouch at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, officers were pursuing Mr. Allen, who was suspected of committing a previous assault and was wanted for questioning regarding a federal investigation. When officers encountered Mr. Allen, he attempted to run away, and during the ensuing struggle, Mr. Allen reached for a gun that he had in a pouch across his chest. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Allen was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

The OSI recommends that NYPD require all members, including those working with federal agencies, to equip themselves with and activate body-worn cameras (BWCs). If the HSI members had been equipped with BWCs, there would have been video footage confirming that the detective who was engaged in a struggle with Mr. Allen repeatedly yelled that Mr. Allen had a gun. Therefore, OSI recommends that NYPD require all members to equip themselves with and activate BWCs.

CONSUMER ALERT: After Heavy Rains and Severe Storm Flooding, the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Warns New Yorkers of Scammers

Scammers Exploit Vulnerabilities During Extreme Weather

Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Taking a few extra precautions now can help protect you from becoming a victim of a scam when you should be focused on recovery.” 

As New Yorkers begin to recover from the effects of recent weather events, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant against scammers who seek to take advantage of consumers during these vulnerable moments. After a storm or natural disaster, emotions may run high as communities and homeowners try to recover quickly. Scammers often take advantage of this sense of urgency. According to a Census Bureau Survey from 2024, up to 77% of survivors experienced a scam within a month after a natural disaster. New Yorkers can use these tips to prevent fraud as they navigate the aftereffects of storms and other natural disasters.

“Natural disasters often bring out the very best in our communities but unfortunately, they can also bring out scammers looking to exploit people during some of their most difficult moments,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “As New Yorkers begin cleaning up and rebuilding after these recent storms, I urge everyone to stay vigilant before hiring contractors, responding to unsolicited offers, or making payments for repair work. Follow the Division of Consumer Protection’s valuable tips and resources to help homeowners avoid fraud and make informed decisions. Taking a few extra precautions now can help protect you from becoming a victim of a scam when you should be focused on recovery.”

NATURAL DISASTER SCAMS AND SCAM PREVENTION TIPS

• Storm Chasing Fraud: If your home suffered damage from the recent storm, storm chasing contractors, or scammers posing as contractors, may step in with promises of a quick fix and low cost. These individuals may tell you there’s damage to your roof when there is not, or they may pressure you to pay them upfront for repairs or rebuilding and then disappear. For more tips on how to avoid a scam after a natural disaster, check out the NYS Attorney General’s Consumer’s tips.
• Government Imposter Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cautions against scammers who offer assistance filing for disaster grants while asking for application fees, cash deposits or advance payments. Federal agencies, such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Small Business Administration don’t charge applicants for disaster assistance or for help in completing applications. FEMA Housing Inspectors will never charge a fee for an inspection, never ask for your nine-digit registration number, and they will always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. If you don’t see their badge, ask them to show you their identification.
• Utility scams: Scammers may also impersonate utilities and offer to restore power in exchange for upfront payment or a “reconnection fee” in the aftermath of widespread power outages. Scammers posing as utility workers may knock on your door claiming that there is a major gas or water leak in the area and that they need to enter the home to check the pipes or gas lines. Once inside, they may ask you for personal information that can be used to steal your identity or take the opportunity to steal your valuables.
• Identity Theft: Criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using your name, address and Social Security number. If a FEMA inspector comes to your door or you receive a letter from FEMA and you have not filed a FEMA application, your personally identifiable information may have been used without your knowledge. Immediately contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance.
• Bogus charities. After disasters, scammers may solicit donations for fake charities via calls, texts, emails or social media. Scammers may create websites with the storm’s name or location and use keywords like “help” and “relief.” Use resources such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar or the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance to find charities you can trust.
• Phishing Scams: Phishing attempts generally spike after a natural disaster. You may get calls, texts or email offers for fake government relief or fake repair offers. Remember to never click on links received via text message or email.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - July Recap: Slamming Big Pharma, Removing Debris from Community Waters, and Enjoying Summer Streets 2026

 

Table of Contents: 

• In Our Community
• From Capitol Hill
• Constituent Corner: Resources Available To You

A Message from the Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez

To our Neighbors in NY-14,

We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful summer! In this month’s newsletter, the office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez would like to update you on the ways she is fighting for you in D.C. and in the district.

So far this year, our office has supported constituents in reclaiming $207,561.31 owed by federal agencies through congressional casework!

In Our Community

The heart of our work lies in the vibrant communities of NY-14. See below for ways our office is helping constituents navigate federal agencies and bring resources back to the district.

Community Project Funding for Adlai Stevenson’s Food Forest Groundbreaking

On July 15th, city officials and community members broke ground for the new food forest at Adlai Stevenson High School in Soundview. The food forest will give students an opportunity to learn in an outdoor classroom and gain first-hand knowledge on green infrastructure, while also providing food for the community and helping to improve climate resiliency. This year, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez was able to secure $850,000 in Community Project Funding towards the establishment of this food forest in the Bronx, and we look forward to seeing the project flourish.

Recently, our constituent, Oishy, contacted our office seeking help with a citizenship issue on behalf of her daughter. After our inquiry, Oishy let us know that she received her daughter’s Certificate of Citizenship!

This is just one of the many wins our incredible casework team achieves regularly for our constituents. If you have an issue pending with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

“We had been trying to get my 6-year-old’s citizenship for a long time with no progress and no answers. She is so excited to finally be a U.S. citizen today and know she belongs in the only home she remembers.”

- Oishy

From Capitol Hill

Introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act to Remove Dark Money from Politics

This month, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, Congressman Jamie Raskin, and Senator Ben Ray Luján introduced the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court.

Read the full bill text here

Criticizing Big Pharma for Abusing The U.S. Patent System

Although the pharmaceutical patent system is intended to reward innovation, Big Pharma games the system to increase their profits at patients’ expense. Earlier this month, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the need to develop more stringent standards in the U.S. pharmaceutical patent system to avoid the over-patenting of brand-name drugs during a hearing in the Health Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Watch here

Addressing the Public Health Impacts of Data Centers

Last week, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the need to address the real harms and public health impacts of data centers during an Energy and Commerce Full Committee Markup. During the markup, the Congresswoman addressed the full committee, asking them: “If anyone wants to live right next to one of these data centers here on this committee, please raise your hand.”

Constituent Corner: Resources Available To You

USPS Price Changes Effective July 12, 2026

The U.S. Postal Service filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes that took effect on July 12, 2026. We are writing to share this important update on recent USPS price changes so you can better prepare for postal needs and mailings.

The following changes took effect on July 12:

The new rates also include a 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents. 

Summer Streets 2026

Attention New Yorkers: Summer Streets will return to all five boroughs this year! This summer, more than 20 miles of Summer Streets corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Manhattan and with adjusted, later hours in the outer boroughs. Summer Streets will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island to help more New Yorkers enjoy these locations.

Summer Streets will return to all five boroughs for five Saturdays spanning July and August, and NYC DOT Art will also present dynamic installations throughout Summer Streets. 

Find more details here

Flood Watch Resources

Heavy rain is expected across NYC today through Wednesday, July 29th. New Yorkers are urged to follow trusted news and weather sources, including emergency alerts from Notify NYC. Residents, especially those in flood-prone spaces, should be ready to act immediately if conditions begin to deteriorate or relocate to a safer location before the rain begins.

What can you do to prepare?

Tips to Stay Safe

• If you live in a basement home, relocate to a higher location.
• Store important documents and valuables in a waterproof container.
• Elevate water heaters, unplug electronics and move them up high.
• Do not drive your vehicle or walk into areas where water covers the roadway.
• Never walk, drive, or bike through flooded streets or standing water. Do not enter flooded subway stations. The depth and force of water can be life-threatening.
• If you lose power and have a disability or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.

For the latest updates, visit NYCEM’s website, sign up for emergency alerts by visiting the Notify NYC page, or call 311.

In Service,

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Governor Hochul Announces Statewide Speed Week 2 Enforcement Campaign

Second Weeklong Speeding Crackdown Runs August 3 Through August 9

More Than 14,000 Tickets Issued in Week 1 Speed Enforcement in Early June

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games. 

DEC AND AGM ANNOUNCE LAUREL WILT QUARANTINE DISTRICT ESTABLISHED IN SUFFOLK COUNTY

 

Prohibits Movement of Select Woody Materials to Slow the Spread of the Invasive Plant Disease

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) announced that a laurel wilt quarantine district is in place for the towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven in Suffolk County following confirmation of the invasive plant disease last year. To limit the spread of laurel wilt and protect vulnerable forest ecosystems across Long Island and throughout New York State, sassafras and spicebush woody material, as well as untreated firewood of any species, are prohibited from being moved out of the quarantine district.   

“Laurel wilt poses a serious threat to New York State’s native forests and shrublands,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Establishing this quarantine district is a critical step to slow the spread of this destructive disease and protect native sassafras and spicebush. DEC is working closely with partners and local communities to monitor affected areas and reduce the risk of moving infected material to new locations.”   

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Department is working closely with the Department of Environmental Conservation to implement this quarantine and ensure our nursery and landscaping industry is aware of these restrictions. Collaboration and compliance are critical to protecting our trees and shrubs in the laurel family, including sassafras and spicebush, and we are committed to preventing the spread of this disease that poses a significant threat to our ecosystems on Long Island and across New York State.” 

Laurel wilt is caused by the invasive fungus Harringtonia lauricola, which kills trees and shrubs in the laurel family, including sassafras and spicebush. The disease was confirmed in August 2025 at multiple locations in Suffolk County, marking the first detection of laurel wilt in New York State. To date, the disease is confirmed at 10 sites. Surveys conducted elsewhere in the region and at targeted locations upstate have not identified additional infection sites. The Suffolk County infection sites also mark the northernmost occurrence in the United States, with the disease having only previously been detected as far north as northwestern Kentucky. 

Laurel wilt is spread primarily by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which carries the fungus on its body and infects the wood as it tunnels in to lay its eggs. The disease can spread long distances when infested wood is moved to new locations, allowing the beetles within to emerge and carry the fungus to new hosts. There is no treatment for laurel wilt, so preventing the movement of infected woody material is the only management option to reduce the risk of spread.   

Sassafras and spicebush logs, branches, roots, and stumps, as well as untreated firewood of any species, may not leave the quarantine district unless the material is first heat-treated at an approved facility or chipped to less than one inch in width and length and kept on site for at least seven days. A DEC-issued Limited Transportation Permit may also be granted under specific conditions. Nursery-grown sassafras and spicebush from within the quarantine district may only be moved under permit and with a compliance agreement with AGM.   

 Laurel wilt causes rapid decline in sassafras and spicebush. Signs and symptoms include:     

• Sudden wilting of leaves;    

• Dark streaking of sapwood beneath the bark; and    

• Small entry holes on the branches, trunk, or roots, which are sometimes surrounded by fine sawdust-like “toothpicks” pushed out from the bark.    

Anyone who suspects signs of laurel wilt, please submit a report using DEC’s Forest Health Reporting form or by visiting NY iMapInvasives at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/. For more information about laurel wilt or the quarantine district, including a map of the quarantine district boundaries, visit DEC’s website.  

Help stop the spread of laurel wilt and other invasives by following DEC’s firewood regulations and using local or heat-treated firewood. For more information, visit DEC’s website.