Tampa Republic

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2) have introduced the bipartisan Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act, a bill aimed at strengthening efforts to detect, prevent, and prosecute online fentanyl trafficking. The legislation seeks to address the alarming increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, which reached over 112,000 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The fentanyl crisis has impacted every community in this nation," said Rep. Laurel Lee. "Despite tireless efforts from law enforcement, these lethal drugs continue to be trafficked on the dark web. The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act will assist the federal government in stopping fentanyl trafficking online."

Rep. Lee emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, "As the death toll continues to rise, Americans need our help. This bill will bolster the federal workforce with individuals specialized in cybersecurity skills and knowledge to aid in the detection, prevention, or prosecution of fentanyl trafficking."

Congressman Joe Neguse echoed Rep. Lee's concerns and highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl-related overdoses in Colorado. "Since 2020, the ongoing increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings has had a devastating impact on communities across Colorado," said Congressman Neguse. "Today, we are introducing a series of bipartisan bills to combat this crisis. We must continue to find common ground to enact policies like these that will ultimately save lives."

The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act has garnered support from Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the United States Senate, further emphasizing the bipartisan effort to address the fentanyl crisis.

By bolstering the workforce and improving the Department of Justice's ability to combat fentanyl distribution online, the bill aims to strengthen national security and cyberinfrastructure. The legislation recognizes the need to adapt to the evolving methods of drug trafficking and the importance of utilizing specialized cybersecurity skills and knowledge to effectively address the issue.

The bill marks another step in the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis, which has ravaged communities across the United States. It is a reminder of the pressing need for collaborative efforts between lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public to combat the distribution of this lethal drug.

For more information on the Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act, the bill text can be accessed here.