Vending machines selling crack pipes have been installed by criminals on Long Island, New York, endangering the neighborhoods around them. Originally designed to sell tampons, criminals illegally repurposed these machines to distribute drug paraphernalia in public spaces. According to the police, “the machines were refurbished to distribute crack pipes to the public, everyone from drug addicts to curious children.” The initial purpose of the machines was to sell tampons.

Fortunately, the police have taken down three crack pipe vending machines, limiting easy access to these potentially harmful goods. Despite its best efforts, Suffolk County, which has a lengthy history of drug usage, finds it difficult to have a permanent effect. As the police resolve one issue, criminals devise new schemes, such as vending machines offering “Sketch Pens.” The public is outraged by the thieves’ two-dollar charges for each ceramic tube.

The Suffolk County Police Department is still putting a lot of effort into fighting drug-related issues, but one major obstacle is that criminals are always coming up with new ideas.