In a significant move aimed at addressing the escalating crisis of illicit fentanyl in the United States, the President has officially designated this potent substance and its core precursor chemicals as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). This decision underscores the severe threat posed by fentanyl, which is described as being closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic. With just two milligrams of fentanyl—an amount comparable to 10 to 15 grains of table salt—being lethal, the urgency to combat this epidemic has never been more critical.
According to the order, the rampant manufacture and distribution of fentanyl are primarily undertaken by organized criminal networks, which not only jeopardize public safety but also threaten national security. These activities have led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans due to fentanyl overdoses. The financial backing of foreign terrorist organizations and drug cartels through the sale of fentanyl facilitates their operations, which include violent acts and insurgencies, thus undermining domestic security.
The violence associated with the two major cartels responsible for fentanyl distribution extends beyond drug trafficking, creating a climate of fear and instability. The potential for fentanyl to be weaponized for large-scale terror attacks adds another layer of danger, prompting the administration to take decisive action.
The order outlines specific measures to combat the threat of illicit fentanyl. Key actions include:
The Attorney General will initiate investigations and prosecutions related to fentanyl trafficking, employing criminal charges and enhanced sentencing as necessary. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury will target assets and financial institutions linked to the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl. The Secretary of War and the Attorney General will evaluate whether resources should be allocated from the Department of War to support the enforcement of relevant laws against fentanyl. Updated directives regarding the Armed Forces’ response to chemical incidents will include the threat posed by illicit fentanyl. The Secretary of Homeland Security will identify and address networks involved in fentanyl smuggling, utilizing threat intelligence to enhance counter-fentanyl operations.For clarity, the order defines illicit fentanyl as any fentanyl manufactured, distributed, or possessed in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, core precursor chemicals, which are essential for the production of illicit fentanyl, include substances such as Piperidone and its derivatives.
The order includes general provisions that protect the authority of executive agencies and outlines that the implementation will align with existing laws and budgetary constraints. Importantly, the order does not create enforceable rights or benefits for individuals against the government.
In conclusion, this presidential order marks a pivotal step in the fight against the fentanyl crisis in America. By recognizing illicit fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction, the administration aims to mobilize resources and strategies to dismantle the networks responsible for this devastating epidemic, thereby safeguarding the health and security of the nation.