AG Curtis Hill: Fentanyl Should Remain A Schedule I Drug

Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 7:25 AM

By Indiana Attorney General, Curtis Hill

40% of 72,000 drug-related deaths involved fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Attorney General Curtis Hill today called for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, which are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

“We need to continue to do our part to assist law enforcement when it comes to the war on drugs,” said Attorney General Hill. “The FIGHT Fentanyl Act allows for law enforcement to do their jobs and continue to take action against those distributing this lethal drug.”

Attorney General Hill is part of a bipartisan coalition of 56 attorneys general endorsing the measure. In a letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to pass S. 2701, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order in February 2018 that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute or handle fentanyl-related substances. This scheduling order is set to expire on Feb. 6, 2020.

The FIGHT Fentanyl Act will ensure that law enforcement agencies and courts retain the tools needed to keep those who traffic in this deadly substance off the streets.

In 2017, there were 72,000 drug-related deaths in the United States. Of those deaths, roughly 40% involved fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.

Attorneys general from every state, territory and the District of Columbia signed the letter.

With the support of every attorney general, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has chosen to endorse the legislation as one of its official policy positions. NAAG typically endorses approximately a dozen policies a year.

Attached is the letter from the attorneys general. 

More from Local News


Events

Free Summer Meals Available to Students Across Indiana

Several Summer Food Service sites are located in southeastern Indiana.

Milan Gym Lobby Dedication Set for June 17

Players from the 1954 championship team will be there. The event is open to the public.

Local Sports Report - June 8, 2023

Area golfers competed at the IHSAA Regional on Thursday.

Rising Sun Baseball Set for Trip to Jasper for Semi-State

Community members are invited to send off the Shiners on Friday afternoon.

Batesville's Schebler to Play in North South All-Star Game

Schebler is the 9th player in Batesville history to be selected to play in the All-Star Game.

On Air

Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny At the End of a Bar 23:04
Kelsea Ballerini If You Go Down [I'm Goin' Down Too] 23:01
Dixie Chicks There's Your Trouble 22:58
Jana Kramer I Got The Boy 22:54