Legislation would boost detection of illegal drug smuggling by air, sea, rail & road; Bill gains backing from Major County Sheriffs Association, Major City Chiefs Association, Narcotics Officers, and other law enforcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced new legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles, and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal law enforcement resources, deploy cutting edge non-intrusive detection technologies, and increase inspections at ports of entry.
“I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”
According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.
Senator Baldwin introduced this legislation with Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Tester (D-MT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 would:
“The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
“The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
"Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant. This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances. We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.
“The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat. This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.
“The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,” said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.
“The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) strongly supports the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. This vital legislation will equip law enforcement with effective tools to combat drug smuggling and the fentanyl crisis, while also enhancing data sharing in the fight against drug trafficking. We extend our gratitude to Senators Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen, and Luján for their leadership in advancing this important initiative,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of Major County Sheriffs of America.
Senator Baldwin has been fighting to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis, disrupting supply chains and bolstering support for prevention and recovery services. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee that oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, Senator Baldwin held a hearing in September on the Coast Guard’s role in combatting the fentanyl crisis and stemming the flow of drugs into the United States. She worked to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to stem the flow of the drug from coming into the U.S. by cracking down on Chinese chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Senator Baldwin also fought to pass a bipartisan bill that would have helped bolster border security and technology and reform parts of the immigration system.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), Senator Baldwin wrote the government funding bill that funds the opioid response program and successfully fought to get it signed into law. Senator Baldwin also led the charge to improve the reach of the funding through her State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, giving Wisconsin increased funding and more flexibility in administering federal investments.
A one-pager on this bill is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.
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