Gonzales introduces bipartisan Dark Web Interdiction Act

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) on March 30 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would prohibit the delivery of opioids via the dark web.

“We’re seeing the devastating and deadly results of the opioid crisis in both cities and rural areas across the country, fueled in large part by the dark web,” Rep. Gonzales said. “These illegal marketplaces are a hub and a safe haven for some of society’s most dangerous criminals, and as these bad actors get more advanced, we need to ensure our law enforcement has the proper tools to crack down on their efforts.” 

Rep. Gonzales introduced the Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2022, H.R. 7300, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) to also increase penalties for drug dealers.

“I am proud to co-lead this effort alongside Congressman Pappas to help law enforcement apprehend and convict contraband dealers across the dark web,” said Rep. Gonzales.

Specifically, H.R. 7300 would increase criminal penalties for someone caught trafficking illegal drugs on the dark web; and would make permanent a strengthened Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (J-CODE) task force that leads coordinated international, federal, state, and local efforts to combat drug trafficking on the dark web, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Gonzales’ office.

Additionally, the bill would authorize J-CODE to coordinate with non-profits to expand their work, the summary says, and would direct the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Treasury Department to issue a report to Congress detailing the use of cryptocurrency on the dark web and how to address the use of virtual currency for opioid trafficking on the dark web.

“Confronting the ongoing substance use disorder crisis requires us to act on multiple fronts, including online,” said Rep. Pappas. “I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation to help get these deadly substances out of our communities, and I thank Representative Gonzales for partnering with me on this important issue.”

U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Cornyn (R-TX) on March 8 introduced the same-named S. 3782 in their chamber. 

The bill is supported by the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.