In recent years, the rise in fentanyl-related incidents and deaths have sent shockwaves throughout communities all across the nation. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has emerged as a major threat due to its potency and high mortality rate. In the United States, the fentanyl problem has reached extreme proportions, with devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities. This powerful drug is often illicitly manufactured and trafficked, leading to an uptick in fentanyl-related incidents and death across the nation. As the dangers associated with this synthetic opioid continue to escalate, it becomes increasingly vital to address this issue with urgency.
The alarming rise in fentanyl-related incidents and deaths has reached drastic proportions in the United States. Statistics and data paint a bleak picture, revealing a stark increase in fentanyl’s dangerous impact on communities nationwide. As of 2021, fentanyl has been responsible for 80 percent of overdose deaths for people under 24 years old and over 150 people nationwide die every day due to overdosing on synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Recent reports indicate that fentanyl-related fatalities have surged dramatically, passing other drug-related deaths in many regions of the country. This lethal synthetic opioid, with a potency 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, poses a severe risk to public health and safety. Even in small amounts, fentanyl can have fatal consequences which makes it exceptionally dangerous to encounter. This potency, along with its increasing availability, poses a significant threat to the public. However, the dangers associated with fentanyl extend beyond its potency, as it is often mixed with other substances, contributing to its unpredictability and the heightened risk of overdose.
Because of the dangers fentanyl poses, the government has been actively engaged in combating the fentanyl crisis, with federal agencies spearheading many different and complex approaches. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has played a crucial role in coordinating enforcement efforts, targeting fentanyl production, and disrupting distribution networks. Additionally, law enforcement agencies at various levels have been collaborating in order to strengthen intelligence sharing and overall effectiveness. To address the fentanyl crisis legislatively, Congress has introduced and passed several significant measures. These legislative initiatives aim to enhance prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts. On both sides of the aisle, there have been many different bills introduced in regards to fentanyl and its effects. The END FENTANYL Act was recently passed in the Senate and it requires stricter and more effective searches along the border by U.S. Customs and Border protection. Another example of fentanyl-related legislation would be the SOS Act of 2023, or the “Stop Our Scourge Act of 2023,” which was introduced in May of this year and aims to label fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

In many cases, these initiatives tend to focus on disrupting fentanyl distribution at its origin which then bleeds into American foreign policy. Because fentanyl has origins in China and then production of the drug goes into Mexico, many politicians focus on the foreign policy aspect of the fentanyl crisis rather than the other facets of the issue. One issue that President Biden faces much criticism from many Republican lawmakers is for not being hard enough on drugs, as the U.S. southern border has reached record amounts of opioid seizures. Additionally, Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis is a leading voice among lawmakers heading the battle against Mexico and China and their role in the fentanyl crisis. DeSantis and many other Republican members of Congress have pushed to label fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction in order to be able to authorize drastic actions against foreign countries, like Mexico and China. This sort of drastic agenda makes it so that the fentanyl crisis is no longer about the dangers that it poses to the public but rather what politicians are doing in order to get a presidential bid or to affect foreign policy.
Although there has been a large amount of government response to the fentanyl crisis, there have been valid criticisms regarding the pace of policy implementation and enforcement. So far, in this year alone, there have been countless legislation introduced into Congress regarding fentanyl, yet very few bills have made it past the first step. Some critics argue that the response has been hindered by the bureaucratic process, resulting in delays in enacting necessary measures to address the crisis. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about insufficient resources and funding for prevention and treatment programs, which were crucial in tackling the root causes of addiction and providing support to affected individuals and communities. As seen in the graph below, very few bills and initiatives are about providing support, instead they are about battling foreign “enemies” and their role in the crisis.

Adding to the challenge is how accessible fentanyl is through platforms such as the dark web. The dark web has shown to be a significant channel for fentanyl distribution, allowing people to anonymously purchase the drug and evade traditional law enforcement methods. Regulating and monitoring online drug markets prove to have substantial challenges due to the hidden nature of these platforms and the constant evolution of technology. Addressing this aspect of the fentanyl crisis necessitates new and more innovative approaches and close collaboration between law enforcement, cybersecurity, and tech companies to disrupt these illicit online networks effectively. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial for an effective response to the fentanyl crisis.
Looking ahead, the future of the fentanyl crisis in the United States remains a critical concern. Predictions indicate that the challenges posed by fentanyl will continue to evolve and demand ongoing attention. As illicit drug markets adapt, new synthetic opioids may emerge, posing further risks to public health and safety. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to remain vigilant and proactive in its response.
The ongoing fentanyl problem in the United States demands our unwavering attention and best efforts. With rising prevalence and devastating consequences, this synthetic opioid presents a grave threat to public health and safety. The government’s recent legislative measures have come in large numbers but fail to get passed which result in a slow pace of policy implementation which poses a challenge to facing the fentanyl crisis.

Further Reading

CDC Fentanyl
CDC Fentanyl Facts
CIP Fact Sheet: Legislation Addressing the Illicit Fentanyl Trade
CIP Legislative Tracker
DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Fentanyl
DEA Facts About Fentanyl
DEA Fentanyl Flow to the United States
Fentanyl Responsible for 80% Of Overdose Deaths Under 24
UNODC – Fentanyl and its analogues – 50 years on
Washington Post – Homeland Security launches ‘Operation Blue Lotus’ to target fentanyl
Washington Post – Fentanyl linked to thousands of urban overdose deaths