Georgia – Together with a coalition of 25 attorneys general, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has recently asked the U.S. Senate to approve the HALT Fentanyl Act in a coordinated movement targeted at addressing the growing opioid crisis in the United States. Often referred to as copycat fentanyl, this important legislation aims to permanently categorize fentanyl analogues—chemically identical compounds to fentanyl—as Schedule I restricted narcotics. This seeks to close a dangerous hole allowing these deadly substances to proliferate
“The Biden administration’s open border policies allowed for the influx of deadly fentanyl that’s flooding our communities, and we’re using all available resources to combat this crisis and save lives,” said Carr.
“We’re fighting this battle on multiple fronts by going after the criminal illegal aliens who are smuggling fentanyl across the border, dismantling the violent gang networks that are selling deadly and dangerous drugs on our streets, and securing critical resources to help those who are struggling with addiction. We’re proud to join our fellow attorneys general in supporting this crucial measure, and we urge the U.S. Senate to do the same.”
This law is urgently needed in response to concerning data showing the great impact of fentanyl-related overdoses in the United States. Reports state that in 2023 alone, over 107,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses; fentanyl was found in about 70% of these deaths. Seized fentanyl sufficient to kill the U.S. population many times over between October 2021 and June 2022 highlights the serious threat synthetic opioids, mostly imported by Mexican cartels, pose to public health.
Often proving far more powerful and dangerous than pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl, fentanyl analogues are laboratory-created variations meant to dodge U.S. drug prohibitions. These compounds’ temporary categorization as Schedule I pharmaceuticals is scheduled to expire March 31, 2025. The HALT Fentanyl Act offers law enforcement the tools they need to properly address the sale and usage of these lethal substances, therefore offering a permanent answer to this urgent problem.
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Having passed the HALT Fentanyl Act by an overwhelming majority, the U.S. House of Representatives already shows bipartisan support for this proposal. The emphasis now moves to the U.S. Senate, where the combat against this fatal disease depends on a quick approval.
Attorneys general from many states, including Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and others, underlining the universal concern and need for quick action across the country, make up the coalition supporting this campaign.
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Apart from this legislative drive, Attorney General Carr has been closely involved in local initiatives aiming at addressing the fentanyl issue. Working with Richmond County law enforcement, his office’s Gang Prosecution Unit grabbed 15 lbs. of fentanyl, a quantity potential of generating up to 3.5 million deadly overdoses. Carr also announced earlier this year the start of Operation “Hold the Line,” a comprehensive strategy meant to destroy transnational gangs engaged in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other major crimes all over Georgia.
Beyond simple enforcement, the initiatives involve legal actions launched against those who helped to create the opioid crisis resulting in over one billion dollar in settlements. With first awards already given by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, the funds are set aside to improve treatment, prevention, and recovery services across the state.
While the Senate debates this important legislation, combined federal and state initiatives highlight an overwhelming determination to stop the fentanyl crisis that continues to devastate communities across America.
Find a copy of the letter here.
