Capito Joins Effort to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently joined a bipartisan group to introduce legislation that aims to more forcefully go after criminals trafficking drugs and stop fentanyl from ravaging West Virginia communities. The legislation, known as the HIDTA Enhancement Act, would reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program—which brings together federal and local law enforcement to stop drug trafficking—and provide them with greater resources to cover more activities to enhance fentanyl prevention and seizures.
“Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse,” Senator Capito said. “The brave law enforcement officers of HIDTA are working every day to stop illicit fentanyl and other illegal drugs in their tracks. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will continue to support the HIDTA program’s mission, provide additional resources to stop the trafficking of fentanyl, and save lives across the country.”
Specifically, the HIDTA Enhancement Act:
- Reauthorizes the HIDTA program at $333 million annually through 2030, increasing support for law enforcement efforts to combat drug use and trafficking.
- Increases authorization for competitive grants to $14,224,000 and expands use of funds to include enhanced fentanyl seizure and interdiction activities.
- Directs collaboration between the Attorney General and the Executive Boards of each designated HIDTA.
- Requires ONDCP to provide a report within the annual National Drug Control Strategy describing the use of HIDTA funds to investigate fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances.
See what stakeholders are saying about the HIDTA Enhancement Act:
“Drug trafficking organizations continue to negatively impact the health and stability of our communities nationwide. The lethality of the drugs sold, coupled with the violence associated with their operations necessitate broad action and strategies designed to foster collaboration and effectiveness. The HIDTA program convenes law enforcement partners from federal, state, and local agencies, fostering investigative and enforcement practices designed to disrupt and dismantle these groups. Senator Capito’s leadership to ensure that the HIDTA program is funded through the HIDTA Enhancement Act is critical and prioritizes the welfare of communities throughout West Virginia and the nation,” Jeff Beeson, Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Executive Director, said.