Washington D.C. -- Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister have endorsed his legislation to crack down on deadly synthetic opioids.
Buchanan’s bill, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, would make permanent the current, albeit temporary, classification of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs are some of the deadliest drugs in existence. In fact, just two milligrams of this highly-addictive opioid can be lethal.
“Illegal fentanyl continues to pour into our country and claims the lives of too many Americans each and every day. My bill will provide law enforcement another critical tool in their arsenal to help combat the opioid epidemic and keep illegal fentanyl out of our communities,” said Buchanan. “I’m honored to have the support of our local law enforcement for this important legislation and am hopeful it will help save countless lives across the country.”
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said, “Fentanyl is a deadly drug that destroys lives and breaks up families. I commend Congressman Buchanan for his tireless fight to keep our communities safe and to hold those responsible for the sale and distribution of this highly addictive narcotic.”
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said, “Fentanyl, unlike other drugs, often kills people the first time they use it. It is deadly plain and simple. Congressman Buchanan’s efforts to permanently add this drug to the Schedule I list will give law enforcement the tool we need to arrest and prosecute the individuals peddling this deadly substance and I fully support his efforts.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “Fentanyl continues to be a significant public health and safety issue in Hillsborough County with 120 fentanyl-related deaths in 2020, an increase from 2019 with 58 fentanyl-related deaths. I thank Congressman Buchanan for his leadership on this important issue. I am happy to support his efforts to enact the proposed FIGHT Fentanyl legislation, which serves to ensure the health and safety of everyone.”
Since 2018, fentanyl analogs have been classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule I substance to allow federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute or handle fentanyl-related substances. President Biden recently signed legislation to extend the classification, set to expire on May 6, 2021, through October 22, 2021. The FIGHT Fentanyl Act would make this temporary classification permanent.
Buchanan introduced the bipartisan legislation last week with Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH). The bill has also been endorsed by Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody and First Step of Sarasota, a leading mental health and substance abuse nonprofit.
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