Senator Hassan Applauds New Steps to Crack Down on Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking

WASHINGTON – Following a request from the United States, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted this week to step up regulations on three precursor chemicals used to create fentanyl, a deadly opioid that is fueling overdose deaths in New Hampshire and across the country. This will require most countries, including China, to strictly control the three chemicals, which the U.S. has already done.

Senator Hassan has led efforts to target illicit fentanyl trafficking, and the most recent annual defense bill included Senator Hassan’s bipartisan bill with Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) to hold accountable countries like China that are facilitating America’s fentanyl-fueled opioid crisis. Earlier this week, Senator Hassan led a field hearing in New Hampshire focused on ways to combat fentanyl trafficking, especially from Mexico and China.

“As we heard during my hearing this week with New Hampshire law enforcement, deadly fentanyl that comes from Mexico, China, and other countries continues to make its way to New Hampshire with devastating consequences for our community, which is why I have led efforts to crack down on international fentanyl trafficking,” said Senator Hassan. “The UN Commission’s vote will help ensure that other countries are stepping up their efforts to prevent fentanyl production, and I will keep pushing for additional action to prevent deadly fentanyl from entering the U.S.”

Read more about the UN’s vote here.

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