Tag Archive: Fentanyl

Senators consider adding new mandatory minimums for fentanyl

The drugs fentanyl and carfentanil have been playing outsized roles in the opioid epidemic, which is already high-profile. Fentanyl is considered to be about 100 times more powerful than morphine, while carfentanil is perhaps 10,000 times more powerful. Yet even though carfentanil is meant to tranquilize large mammals like rhinos and hippopotamuses, the drug is sometimes mixed with heroin or other opiates used by addicts. These potent synthetic opioids pose a real risk to law enforcement, according to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. He recently warned officers to avoid any exposure to the drugs, as people are overdosing in record numbers. He warns that America doesn’t have time to debate whether the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis or... Read More »

Drug-overdose manslaughter bill passes Florida House unanimously

The Florida House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill that would hold drug dealers criminally responsible when their products cause death. Contributing to a death by distributing a controlled substance would be considered manslaughter. A corresponding bill has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. In addition to the manslaughter charge for contributing to death, the bill also adds regulations regarding the opiate drugs fentanyl and carfentanil. Both would be added to Florida’s Schedule I of controlled substances. Fentanyl, which was ruled responsible for the death of internationally renowned artist Prince last year, is approximately 100 times as powerful as morphine and is sometimes used by opioid addicts. The bill adds... Read More »