Metro East Sun

Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia) hs taken to Facebook to warn constituents about fentanyl.

“Be proactive - fentanyl from Mexican cartels (often using China-sourced chemicals) is flooding our streets. Synthetic opioid deaths have surged from 6,000 to over 60,000 in just a few years,” Plummer wrote on Facebook. "This is an intentional attack on our society and we have to do better.  Local law enforcement is overwhelmed. Be smart.  Communicate with law enforcement. Make sure your children understand the danger. It sure would be nice to secure our border."

In his Facebook post, Plummer shared a link to a Fox News article. The article quotes former DEA special operations director Derek Maltz, warning parents to be vigilant after 15,000 fentanyl pills were found disguised in candy bags. 

According to ABC7, "From May 23 to September 8, 2022, DEA agents in the Chicago Field Division recovered 16 firearms, made 16 arrests, seized 441,464 fentanyl pills, 7,185 grams of fentanyl powder and 42,611 grams of meth."

According to the DEA, in June 2022, an Illinois man was charged with trafficking after an investigation revealed that Juan Montemayor, 30, of Kewanee, Illinois, had in his possession, approximately 10,000 suspected fentanyl pills and a loaded .357 Magnum revolver. On June 15, 2022, Montemayor was formally charged by the Henry County State’s Attorney Office with the offenses of delivery of over 900 grams of fentanyl (Class X Felony), possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 3 Felony), and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4 Felony). This Class X Felony charge carries a potential sentence of 15-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, in which 75% of the total sentence must be served.