Attorney General Curtis Hill today called for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, which are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
“We need to continue to do our part to assist law enforcement when it comes to the war on drugs,†said Attorney General Hill. “The FIGHT Fentanyl Act allows for law enforcement to do their jobs and continue to take action against those distributing this lethal drug.â€
Attorney General Hill is part of a bipartisan coalition of 56 attorneys general endorsing the measure. In a letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to pass S. 2701, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order in February 2018 that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute or handle fentanyl-related substances. This scheduling order is set to expire on Feb. 6, 2020.
The FIGHT Fentanyl Act will ensure that law enforcement agencies and courts retain the tools needed to keep those who traffic in this deadly substance off the streets.
In 2017, there were 72,000 drug-related deaths in the United States. Of those deaths, roughly 40% involved fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.
Attorneys general from every state, territory and the District of Columbia signed the letter.
With the support of every attorney general, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has chosen to endorse the legislation as one of its official policy positions. NAAG typically endorses approximately a dozen policies a year.
