WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) released the following statement after hosting a roundtable discussion on the fentanyl crisis.

“As a border state, Arizona has been hit hard by the fentanyl crisis” said Rep. Schweikert. “It is crucial that we take every possible action to halt the flow of this narcotic into our state and the rest of the nation. That is why I hosted a roundtable today to learn more about this epidemic from local, state, and federal officials. I heard many stories about fentanyl impacting our communities, and I listened as law enforcement outlined the tragic reality they face in dealing with this crisis. It is clear that this problem will only get worse if the Southern border continues to set record numbers with illegal encounters, and we cannot sit idly by and watch it happen. I am committed to finding ways to stop the flow of fentanyl into our state, and I am grateful to all the attendees who participated and shared vital information today.”

Background

In 2021, fentanyl seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration was the most in the agency’s history. As a border state, Arizona is exploited as a gateway for this lethal drug coming from Mexico.

 
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