Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) applauded the passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, a bill he cosponsored, out of the House of Representatives, saying, "I look forward to President Trump signing this into law."
The Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act makes the notoriously deadly synthetic opioid a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical value, and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.
As a result, the distribution of more than 100 grams is a criminal offense with a minimum of ten years in prison.
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"As a border state, Arizona has long been on the front lines of this crisis and has borne the brunt of these tragic consequences," Rep. Crane said in his press release, adding, "By permanently classifying all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, we are fully criminalizing these weaponized opioids and giving law enforcement the tools they urgently need. I’m proud to support this proactive legislation, which prevents dangerous loopholes and deters cartels from exploiting our system. I look forward to President Trump signing this into law."
The passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act comes days after Rep. Crane's colleague, Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ), reintroduced the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, which would make the distribution or manufacture of fentanyl that results in death a capital or life offense.
"More should and can be done to support President Trump's efforts to stem the flow of deadly drugs into the United States," said Rep. Gosar in introducing the bill, adding, "hat's why I have once again reintroduced the Death Penalty for Dealing Fentanyl Act, legislation authorizing capital punishment or life imprisonment for any individual convicted of distributing, possessing with the intent to distribute, or manufacture fentanyl that resulted in death."
