April 29, 2016
How do drug dealers sell their product in Philly? At least one followed the lead of companies like Under Armour and Degree by using NBA star Steph Curry's image — without the Golden State Warriors guard's permission, of course.
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel posted a photo to Twitter earlier this week of heroin the department seized, and on the baggies of the drug is Curry's face.
Thinking Steph Curry wouldn't be happy that he is this week's brand for heroin in Philly. cc: @StephenCurry30 pic.twitter.com/mmRcC741YM
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) April 27, 2016
Nestel said while the brand logo used by heroin dealers changes frequently, it's rare that he sees a person used as the stamp.
But as Complex notes, this isn't the first time a basketball star has been used to market heroin in the city.
Lebron James' name was found stamped on 140 packets of the drug in 2012 by Upper Darby police. Per a Philadelphia Daily News story:
"I don't think LeBron James would be too happy with this drug-dealer dude using his name on these street bags," said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.
Chitwood said that drug dealers stamp every bag of heroin with a name, but it's usually one like Hellen or Hazel or words like horse or brown sugar.
Curry's name and image garnered the attention of several national media outlets.
The area's heroin and opioid epidemic is something state and local lawmakers have tried finding numerous solutions to as of late.
Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh is holding a series of upcoming community meetings to address the issue. More information on that can be found here.
