WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden has signed the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act into law. The new law focuses on targeting the fentanyl supply chain by directing the Department of Treasury to use U.S. economic national security tools, such as sanctions.
“The precursors for fentanyl come from China. They’re manufactured in Mexico, and then the Mexican cartels bring them to America,” U.S. Senator Tom Scott said in a statement.
The law enhances current laws so U.S. government agencies can more effectively target and penalize those who manufacture and traffic fentanyl. Scott said the aim is to crack down on the criminal organizations by targeting their financial assets.
A number of law enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff’s Association, and the National Association of Police Officers supported the bill.
The United States is currently experiencing its deadliest drug epidemic in history, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 110,000 Americans have died over the past year.