FRANKFORT, Ky. — Nearly all of overdose deaths within the Tri-State are fentanyl-related. That’s why Kentucky Legal professional Common Russell Coleman is spearheading an effort to cease fentanyl from moving into the U.S.
A letter from Coleman’s workplace addressed to the Trump administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety hopes to cease fentanyl from moving into the nation. The letter is signed by 25 attorneys common, together with Ohio and Indiana.
“This can be a very, very highly effective painkiller,” Coleman mentioned. “That’s what’s driving our overdose deaths.”
The letter asks the above organizations to place extra restrictions on Entry Kind 86 for packages coming into the U.S. The letter claims that the entry sort is a loophole for drug sellers and drug traffickers.
“This can be a loophole that enables objects with an estimated worth of lower than $800 to enter the US from China, from Mexico, from Asia with little or no inspection,” Coleman mentioned.
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The concern is that with out correct inspections, drug sellers and traffickers can get fentanyl into the U.S. simply.
Coleman mentioned he and his fellow attorneys common simply need to see these packages inspected higher to keep away from extra Individuals dying.
“We’re prosecuting instances the place as little as one tablet can and is killing Kentuckians … and is killing Ohioans, as little as one tablet,” Coleman mentioned.
In 2023, Ohio noticed over 3,500 fentanyl-related opioid deaths, and Kentucky noticed over 1,500. Each make up nearly all of all opioid deaths within the state.
Coleman mentioned prevention is without doubt one of the essential methods of preventing the fentanyl disaster. Which is why, on prime of the letter, Kentucky has launched one other program known as Higher With out It.
“This program is funded by opioid settlement cash,” Coleman mentioned.
This system makes use of social media to accomplice with college athletes and social media influencers throughout the state to inform youngsters that they’re “higher with out” medicine or fentanyl.
Coleman mentioned the purpose of the letter and this system is to save lots of lives.
Coleman letter to Sec. Noem by webeditors on Scribd
