The introduction of illicit fentanyl has been the game changer. . . .
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In 2015, Massachusetts ranked second nationally per capita in deaths
from synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times
stronger than heroin. But Massachusetts is far from alone. Between 2014
and 2015, nationwide deaths involving synthetic opioids tragically rose
72 percent. That is why I partnered with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick to
introduce the INTERDICT Act, which would provide U.S. Customs and
Border Protection with enhanced chemical screening devices and
scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids like
fentanyl. I thank Representative Fitzpatrick and our Senate counterparts for
their partnership, and I urge all our colleagues to support the
INTERDICT Act. To effectively combat the nationwide opioid crisis requires a
comprehensive, cooperative, fully funded effort.
Keywords matched
Border Protection