2024-04-24 22:23:02
{p}For years, fentanyl has made its way here to Florida, whether by boat through our waters or coming across the US Mexico border, it has become a major problem. (WPEC){/p}
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) —
For years, fentanyl has made its way here to Florida, whether by boat through our waters or coming across the US Mexico border, it has become a major problem.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Ashley Moody, R-Florida, addressed the issue in West Palm Beach.
Last year alone, the DEA seized more than 78 million fentanyl-laced pills and 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.
Attorney General Ashley Moody says this is a crucial issue.
“Seven out of 10 now contain a lethal dose of fentanyl,” Moody said.
According to the Florida Medical Examiners’ Drugs in Deceased Persons Annual Report, more than 6,200 people in the state died after using fentanyl in 2022.
“We are struggling as a nation with our overdose deaths increasing and they continue to increase nationally. Florida is not immune to this crisis,” Moody said.
Across our area, we have seen numerous arrests related to fentanyl. That’s something Moody thinks helps.
“Our law enforcement efforts to put these poison peddlers in jail are working,” Moody said.
Another issue to deal with is where the fentanyl comes from. Moody says this is primarily a border issue between the US and Mexico.
“We have not been able to control the border as we would like as we expect it to be controlled. And so it spills over into our country,” Moody said.
The problem also comes across our waters here in South Florida. The Coast Guard patrols our waters and catches smugglers to help prevent this deadly drug from entering our community.
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