Submitted
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan bill this week to combat the opioid epidemic.
The International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology or INTERDICT Act aims to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the latest in chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is often 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
“From Levittown to Lower Salford, no part of my district is left unaffected by our opioid crisis. As an EMT and former federal drug prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of addiction in our communities and understand the increased danger added by synthetic opioids like fentanyl,” said Fitzpatrick. “Our nation’s drug epidemic is a complicated issue and our response must be multi-faceted; that means disrupting the flow of drugs while also increasing the accessibility and affordability for prevention, education, treatment, and recovery of this disease. I’m grateful for the support of Rep. Tsongas and our Senate counterparts for working in a bipartisan fashion to tackle the issue of fentanyl entering our communities as part of our larger strategy to combat this national crisis.”
Fentanyl, although primarily a pharmaceutical, is fatally linked to illicitly manufactured and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds. The drug is often smuggled from Mexico or China in small amounts due to its potency – making it difficult for authorities to detect. Between 2014 and 2015, deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl rose 72 percent, amounting to 9,500 deaths.
Brian Fitzpatrick speaking about his FOP endorsement last year in Wrightstown.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
“Heroin and other opiates are killing our citizens. When misused or abused, fentanyl is much deadlier than heroin. We must take an all-out approach in stemming the tide of illegal drugs available for abuse. Law enforcement will continue to play a critical role in this battle against the drug scourge and the criminals who peddle this poison,” said Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub.
Specifically, the INTERDICT Act will ensure that the CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories. It will also provide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities — including scientists available during all operational hours — to interpret screening test results from the field.
In addition, the act will authorize appropriation of $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours.
“We are grateful to Representatives Fitzpatrick and Tsongas for the introduction of the INTERDICT Act. I am personally aware of Representative Fitzpatrick’s tireless commitment to his citizens and to empowering law enforcement in its fight against the drug scourge. INTERDICT will give law enforcement many additional tools and resources it needs to detect this deadly drug before traffickers can put it into the stream of commerce. Just as sure as heroin and fentanyl kill; the INTERDICT Act will save lives,” said Weintraub.
Tackling the drug epidemic was on of Fitzpatrick’s campaign promises and has been something he’s focused attention on since taking office.
