Congressmen Crenshaw & Harder Introduce Legislation Targeting Illicit Pill Presses in Fight Against Fentanyl Epidemic
August 7, 2024 | Washington, D.C.
Today, Congressmen Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) and Josh Harder (CA-09) introduced H.R. 9258—the Disrupt Fentanyl Pill Production Act. This legislation aims to end counterfeit pill operations, one of the most nefarious aspects of the fentanyl epidemic. If passed, H.R. 9258 will empower law enforcement agencies to trace pill presses used by cartels and other criminal enterprises to mass-produce illicit drugs sold on American streets.
Criminals and cartels have been targeting children on social media, pretending to sell prescription drugs like Adderall, Xanax, and Percocet. However, most people cannot tell the difference between these fake pills and the real thing. Counterfeit pills are incredibly dangerous; according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most are laced with fentanyl or methamphetamine. The DEA reports that 7 out of 10 pills seized contain enough fentanyl to be lethal. In 2024 alone, the DEA has seized over 31.5 million fentanyl-laced fake pills.
“For the safety of our communities, it’s imperative that we give law enforcement the ability to trace these illicit pill presses moving across borders. This legislation will allow officers to better understand the criminal supply chain,” said Congressman Crenshaw, Congressional Task Force to Combat Mexican Drug Cartels. “Serializing pill presses will also give them better tools to effectively catch and prosecute cartels who use this equipment to disguise deadly drugs and exploit our children for profit.”
“The fentanyl epidemic is killing our community. We have to use every tool available to stop criminals from selling this stuff. One tool we have is taking down the counterfeit pill industry,” said Congressman Harder. “These drug dealers make lethal pills by using imported or illegally obtained pill presses – this bill cuts off that supply and makes it easier for law enforcement to catch these heartless criminals. Simply put: less supply means thousands of lives saved.”
Contact Congressman Dan Crenshaw
The Woodlands Office
2829 Technology Forest, Suite 280
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Email
Phone: (281) 640-7720