U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) announced the passage of the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act by Congress. The legislation, incorporated into the National Security Supplemental, aims to enhance the federal government's capacity to combat the producers and traffickers importing this drug into the country.
During a virtual press conference held on May 1, Gillibrand disclosed that fentanyl, a perilous synthetic opioid, is 50 times more potent than heroin. Furthermore, she noted that it becomes undetectable by taste, smell or sight when mixed with other drugs.
"No community has been left untouched by the opioid epidemic," Gillibrand declared in her press release. "This legislation will help us target both the cartels and the individuals responsible for bringing these deadly drugs into our country and will empower the government to sanction drug traffickers and combat money laundering schemes that make this trade profitable."
The House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee) released a report on April 16 elucidating China's role in the fentanyl crisis. According to this report, it was discovered that China permits and subsidizes manufacturing and export of fentanyl precursor chemicals. It further supports Chinese companies' production and sale of fentanyl precursors through various mechanisms such as tax rebates to chemical manufacturers, allowing open online sales of fentanyl precursors and other illicit materials, along with lax enforcement of content censors on narcotics exports compared to domestic drug sales.
The act not only amplifies U.S. government’s capacity to counteract cartels producing and trafficking precursor materials but also reinforces sanctions enforcement while providing U.S. Treasury with tools to address associated money laundering issues according to Gillibrand's press release. Additionally, it mandates that administration reports be submitted to Congress detailing federal government’s actions aimed at reducing international trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids.
