Gas Station Heroin Banned In Suffolk Crackdown

Suffolk County officials approved new restrictions on kratom products and banned tianeptine, a substance called “gas station heroin,” following months of hearings and public debate.

County Executive Ed Romaine signed the measures into law Thursday during a ceremony at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. He was joined by legislators, Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott.

The kratom legislation, sponsored by Deputy Presiding Officer James Mazzarella, targets derivative products while preserving access for adults. It also requires independent third-party testing and maintains Suffolk’s prohibition against sales to anyone younger than 21.

Mazzarella called the measure “a balanced approach” shaped by residents, medical professionals, police and business owners. The law will remove dangerous products from store shelves, he said.

A separate measure from Legislator Chad Lennon prohibits the possession, sale and distribution of tianeptine. Lennon said he was “proud” to receive unanimous support and described the legislation as a proactive response to substance abuse.

“This bipartisan effort” demonstrates the county’s commitment to public safety, Lennon said.

Romaine said Suffolk had taken “decisive action” against synthetic kratom products and tianeptine. The new laws give police and health officials tools to keep the substances “off our shelves and away from our children,” he said.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo said extensive public discussions produced “the best bill” possible for addressing kratom and the synthetic compound 7-OH. He called the signing “a great day for public safety.”

Catalina offered the strongest warning, rejecting claims that kratom derivatives and tianeptine are harmless natural products.

“These are not safe substances,” Catalina said, particularly when consumed without regulation.

Both bills passed the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously following public hearings, discussion and amendments. Officials said the measures balance consumer access with stronger oversight while enabling enforcement agencies to target potentially dangerous products sold locally.