The United States is facing a drug crisis fueled by fentanyl, a potent opioid that has sparked countless overdoses and deaths. Amidst this crisis, Congressman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is calling on the Biden administration to classify fentanyl as a biological and chemical weapon, citing China’s role in fueling the crisis.
Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Treasury Department have raised concerns about the escalating threat of Chinese money laundering operations that are aiding Mexican drug cartels to finance illicit activities, including the trafficking of deadly opioids like fentanyl.
Inhaling fentanyl, a synthetic opioid approved by the US FDA for pain relief and anesthesia, can lead to irreversible brain damage, according to a study published in BMJ Case Reports. The study highlights the potential risks associated with fentanyl use, which is known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and widely available at a low cost. Doctors warn that fentanyl inhalation can cause toxic leukoencephalopathy, leading to inflammation and damage to the brain’s white matter. Such damage can result in unconsciousness and potentially irreversible loss of brain function. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the severe consequences of fentanyl misuse and the need for appropriate precautions and treatment measures.
A homeless woman addicted to fentanyl gave birth in her tent near a fire station two weeks ago. The baby remains in the hospital, while the mother is back on the streets. Doctors say the use of fentanyl in pregnancy has increased in recent years, and they are still learning how to treat newborns withdrawing from the drug. A team of Multnomah County outreach workers continues to try and help the mother, but she has declined their offers of treatment and housing.
The Punnichy RCMP conducted two separate drug trafficking investigations, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, weapons, and cash. In the first incident, police received a report of potentially armed individuals in a vehicle on the George Gordon First Nation. Officers located the vehicle and seized approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, four grams of fentanyl, a machete, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a sum of cash. Two men and a woman were arrested. In the second incident, RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Punnichy, seizing approximately 114 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of fentanyl, over 100 grams of cannabis, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a crossbow, a throwing star, numerous knives, and a sum of cash. Two individuals were arrested.
Following the tragic death of their 16-year-old son Sammy, who purchased a fentanyl-laced pill on Snapchat, Sam Chapman and Laura Berman are advocating for Sammy’s Law. This legislation (SB 1444) aims to require major social media platforms to allow integration with third-party monitoring software, empowering parents to detect potential dangers such as drug sales, firearm sales, bullying, or suicidal thoughts on their children’s accounts. While the bill faces opposition from technology industry groups and civil liberty organizations citing concerns about user privacy and data misuse, it has incorporated safeguards and amendments to address these issues. If passed, Sammy’s Law would potentially have a significant impact by protecting children from social media-related risks and driving changes in social media companies’ practices at a national level through the ‘California Effect.’
Jersey City is set to establish a 24-hour health kiosk outside City Hall, providing free testing strips for deadly drugs, life-saving Narcan, and COVID-19 tests to residents. This pilot program aims to combat the opioid crisis and provide harm reduction measures. The kiosk will be the first in New Jersey to offer rapid fentanyl tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration, along with other intervention strategies.
42-year-old Vincent Rodriguez was arrested on April 15th in Colma, California, after allegedly stealing $475.20 worth of merchandise from a business. During the arrest, police discovered drug paraphernalia and suspected fentanyl on Rodriguez. He was charged with petty theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a narcotic and was released on his promise to appear in court.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Manitoba is urging residents to be cautious after several community members experienced seizures and required medical attention following drug use. The specific drug or substance causing these reactions is still unknown, but the First Nation warns that it could be contaminated with potentially lethal substances like fentanyl. Police are investigating the matter.
