Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) would give U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) new tools to prevent the powerful narcotic fentanyl from being illegally trafficked into the country.
The INTERDICT Act would authorize $15 million for chemical screening devices, personnel and facilities to help CBP detect and interdict fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The dangerous drugs commonly used as painkillers have led to a sharp increase in deaths in recent years.
“As the devastating opioid epidemic continues to harm communities in West Virginia and across the county, the INTERDICT Act is a needed to step to help stop the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids across the border,” Capito said. “I am proud to join with my colleagues to introduce this important legislation that will help save lives and curb the drug crisis.”
Mexico is the main source for illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States, Capito said. CBP seized nearly 200 pounds of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids like fentanyl, primarily from along the southwest border, in 2016 – a 25-fold increase over seizures in 2015.
The INTERDICT Act, short for the International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology, would ensure that portable chemical screening devices are available to CBP at all ports of entry. It would also make fixed chemical screening tools available at CBP laboratories.
The measure would also ensure CBP has sufficient personnel, resources and facilities to interpret screening test results, including access to scientists during all hours of operation.
Capito introduced the bipartisan measure with U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Edward Markey (D-MA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
“Fentanyl is a leading contributor to the opioid crisis that is wreaking havoc, destroying families and taking lives across our state and nation,” Rubio said. “The federal government can do more to stop fentanyl from entering our country from abroad, and this legislation would help us accomplish that goal.”