I lived in both places...for many years...and all I can say is..you are CORRECT!
I had a friend in NYC back in the early 90s when I lived there. He was a vet and had a permit. Carried a Glock 19. I guess his “in” for getting one was similar to yours, ie: drugs, etc.
That was back in the Dinkins years and it was pretty scary sometimes. I regularly traveled through Harlem and the Bronx and might have taken my .357 with me...can’t remember:)
Anyway, years after, moved to CT, got a CCL, but seldom carried. Giuliani happened + NY wouldn’t recognize the permit and I regularly crossed state lines.
By the way...Howard Stern has a NYC/CCL.