09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 16:13
Legislation would boost detection of illegal drug smuggling by air, sea, rail & road
Bill gains backing by Narcotics Officers, Major City Chiefs, Forensic Science Labs, State Criminal Investigative Agencies, HIDTA Leaders
Commerce Committee Democrats, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján. (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal local law enforcement resources, deploy next generation non-intrusive detection technologies and increase inspections at ports of entry.
"Drug traffickers should not be allowed to exploit the U.S. transportation system to smuggle fentanyl and precursor chemicals to make illicit synthetic drugs," Sen. Cantwell said. "Our bill equips federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement with the tools they need to curb drug smuggling by accelerating the development of non-intrusive technologies to inspect our commercial aircraft, trucks, trains and ships - while boosting resources to deploy this technology and drug-sniffing dogs, improving forensic science at crime labs, and building a better system to share intelligence and information between federal authorities and the private sector."
"The deadly flow of fentanyl into Montana communities is tearing families apart and it's making our state less safe," said Sen. Jon Tester. "If we're going to end illicit drug trafficking, we're going to have to come at this issue from all sides, and that means strengthening our southern border, funding law enforcement, and securing the transportation systems allowing bad actors to get these drugs into our communities. I'm proud to have introduced this bill to give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to combat illicit drug trafficking and make our transit systems safer for all Montanans."
"I've heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates - all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl," said Senator Baldwin. "I'm fighting this crisis on all fronts - from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I'm proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities."
"Most synthetic fentanyl is smuggled into our country, making its way to communities across Nevada and destroying families," said Sen. Rosen. "I'm doing everything I can to stop the flow of illicit drugs and support law enforcement. That's why I'm proud to introduce this bill to develop a national strategy to prevent fentanyl smuggling and increase inspections at Ports of Entry on our border."
"The flow of fentanyl into the country has devastated far too many communities across New Mexico and the United States," said Sen. Luján. "This bill would crack down on the trafficking of deadly drugs by implementing innovative inspection strategies for U.S. transportation networks and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to combat fentanyl smuggling. It is time for Congress to act to keep our communities safe and put an end to the fentanyl crisis."
According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network-trucks, trains and commercial aircraft-to move their product to its final destination.
The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 (S. 5285) would:
Read the summary here and bill text here or here.
"The National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement's ability to conduct inspections on our nation's transportation systems," said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition.
"The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress," said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
"Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant. This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances. We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic," said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.
"The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell's introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat. This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking," said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.
"The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell's efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis," saidF. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.
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