Boustany Joins Effort To Stop Synthetic Drugs From Crossing Our Borders

Press Release

Dr. Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette) issued the following statement after the Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention Act of 2016, or STOP Act, was introduced by Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) and Congressman Richard E. Neal (D-MA). Dr. Boustany is an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Boustany said: "In Louisiana, we have seen far too many families torn apart from the use of illicit, synthetic opioid drugs. It is important that we protect our constituents from these dangerous substances that are crossing our borders and robbing many young men and women of their chance at a full and healthy life. I am proud to join the efforts by Rep. Tiberi and Rep. Neal as an original co-sponsor of this legislation."

The United States has experienced an influx of synthetic opioids crossing the border and falling into the hands of our teens and young adults. In particular, the drug fentanyl, considered 50-100 times stronger than morphine, is rising in popularity. The primary source of fentanyl and other types of synthetic opioids in the United States is Mexico. Between 2013 and 2014, drug-related deaths involving synthetic opioids have nearly doubled, and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a substantial portion of these increases appear to be related to the availability of illicit fentanyl.

The STOP Act would require shipments from foreign countries to provide information on who is sending the package and what country the shipment is coming from before the package is allowed on American soil. This information will allow Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to better regulate illegal packages and increase drug enforcement efforts.

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