Governor DeSantis Signs Bill Aimed At Fighting Opioid Crisis

On Thursday, Governor DeSantis signed a bill that will crackdown on drug trafficking in the state. The new bill increases the mandatory minimum sentence for people convicted of dealing fentanyl. The crime of selling fentanyl and methamphetamine will be punishable by life in prison or execution.

During a press conference, DeSantis said:

“We can and must lower the demand for drugs through education and outreach programs, but we also must fight the supply of drugs and crackdown on dealers and traffickers, particularly of substances like fentanyl.”

DeSantis also raised the mandatory minimums for selling 4-14 grams of fentanyl to 7 years. The minimum for selling 14-28 grams increased to 20 years.

DeSantis stated, “We’re going to do all we can to decrease the prevalence of fentanyl in Florida, and that means if you’re dealing fentanyl, you are killing people, you’re going to be put in jail.”

If someone’s distribution of methamphetamine results in a fatal overdose, it will be classified as felony murder.

DeSantis blamed the increase in fentanyl deaths on the increase of drugs into the country from the Southern border. In 2021, Border Patrol seized 10,600 pounds of fentanyl at the Southern border.

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Sarah Abrams

Sarah is a wife, new mom, and proud American living in Austin, Texas. She hopes her writing inspires others to seek truth and uphold the values that make this country great. When she is not writing about politics and culture, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors with her family.