U.S. Attorney John W. Huber Statement On Pending Expiration Of Emergency Prohibition Of Fentanyl Analogues

“The emergency prohibition of fentanyl analogues expires on February 6 without congressional action.  Fentanyl and its analogues are responsible for dozens of overdose deaths in Utah.  Without action by Congress, my partners and I will not have the tools we need to protect Utah families from the onslaught of these extraordinarily dangerous substances. 

“We have seen a transition in the source of fentanyl finding its way into Utah communities.  Initially, law enforcement officers found fentanyl from China in relatively small amounts in Utah. 

“In a dangerous turn of events, law enforcement officials are now intercepting load after load of Mexican cartel-produced fentanyl.  The cartels are using their established and prolific distribution networks to deliver fentanyl – a substance that is exponentially more dangerous than both methamphetamine and heroin. We continue to be very aggressive in prosecuting these cases.

“I am urging Congress to give us the tools we need to continue our efforts against the distribution of fentanyl and its analogues here in Utah.  This fight is far from over.  We need every tool we have to target this dangerous drug. Congress must take action immediately to extend the scheduling of these dangerous substances.”

Background:  In an effort to combat this deadly drug epidemic, DEA issued a temporary emergency two-year order in February 2018 that made all fentanyl-related substances illegal.  Our country has seen a marked supply impact from DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances during the past two years, with a 50 percent decrease in fentanyl-related substances encountered across the United States.  However, DEA’s emergency authority expires at midnight on February 6, 2020, unless Congress acts to extend it.