Metro East Sun

The Customs and Border Patrol has reported a staggering increase in the amount of fentanyl being seized at the southern border. In FY23, over 19,800 pounds of fentanyl were confiscated, compared to 7,600 pounds in FY22. This alarming rise in fentanyl trafficking from Mexico has prompted national conversations and efforts to combat its smuggling.

Mexican cartels are known to use fentanyl to enhance the effects of other drugs, such as cocaine or Adderall, making them more potent and dangerous. According to a report from CBS News, fentanyl seizures at ports of entry nationwide have quadrupled from 2019 to 2021. The impact of this deadly drug can be seen in the rising number of fentanyl-related deaths in the United States.

The National Institutes of Health revealed that over 70,000 people in the U.S. died from synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, in 2021. In total, 106,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses that year. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It can be prescribed for severe pain or advanced cancer, but its highly addictive nature poses a significant risk.

The United States Department of Justice has identified Mexican cartel associates as key players in the sale and shipment of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to labs in Mexico. These labs then manufacture the fentanyl, which is subsequently trafficked into the U.S. and sold wholesale to other criminal organizations.

The resulting fentanyl and mixed drugs are incredibly potent and have led to widespread addiction, overdose, and death. The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that individuals addicted to fentanyl may experience severe withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of stopping its use.

To combat the fentanyl epidemic, the use of naloxone has become increasingly prevalent. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse a fentanyl overdose by restoring normal breathing. It can be administered as a nasal spray or injection and is being used by police officers, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders. Additionally, many states offer training on how to administer naloxone to individuals at risk of opioid overdose.

In Illinois, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has sponsored a bill, HB 3203, to address the fentanyl crisis. The bill allows pharmacists and retail stores to sell fentanyl test strips over the counter. These test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in any drug, providing a crucial tool in preventing fatal consequences. The legislation has received unanimous support from the General Assembly and is awaiting Governor Pritzker's signature.

McCombie emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, "Fentanyl is a drug that is taking far too many lives, and as we continue to address the opioid epidemic, our priority with this legislation is to save lives."

Overall, the flow of illegal fentanyl across the southern border poses a severe threat to public health and safety. It is imperative that law enforcement, first responders, and educators have access to the necessary tools to combat this crisis and protect our communities, especially our children, from the lethal consequences of fentanyl.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repelik.com/2023/10/17/how-much-fentanyl-crosses-our-southern-border-2/