The owner of the well-known Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant is urging city leaders to end Los Angeles’ needle distribution program following a major federal drug raid near MacArthur Park. Federal agents conducted the operation Wednesday, targeting suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl sales in the area. Authorities reported that around 20 people were arrested during the enforcement effort.
Norm Langer argues that the city’s program, which provides clean needles to drug users as part of harm reduction efforts, is drawing more drug activity into the neighborhood. He says the policy has created what he describes as a “never-ending battle” for local residents and business owners who are concerned about public safety and visible drug use. Other nearby business owners share similar concerns, claiming that distributing needles and Narcan may unintentionally encourage continued drug use. They are now calling on Mayor Karen Bass and city council members to reconsider or end the program altogether.
