House advances bill to provide chemical detection devices to combat illicit fentanyl trade

A bipartisan bill that seeks to combat the growing opioid epidemic in the United States was advanced this week by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Authored by U.S. Reps. Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act would provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the latest chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

The bill would also provide CBP with resources, personnel and facilities to interpret screening test results in the field as well as authorize the appropriation of $9 million for new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours.

“Whenever I meet with local public safety officials, they explain the urgent need for resources and support to combat drugs like fentanyl,” Tsongas said. “The INTERDICT Act responds to the needs of these first responders and recognizes that the 21st-century threat of synthetic opioids requires the latest tools to stop them.”

A companion bill was recently introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is reportedly up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. According to the Congress members, most fentanyl deaths are attributed to illicitly-obtained fentanyl analogs that are manufactured outside of the United States.