Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Mark Kelly of Arizona have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting communities in Tennessee and beyond. The proposed bill seeks to reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, enhancing resources for federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, with a particular focus on fentanyl.

The HIDTA Enhancement Act is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Amy Klobuchar. The bill aims to provide increased funding and support for the HIDTA program, which facilitates collaboration between various levels of law enforcement to prevent drug trafficking.

"Communities in Tennessee are suffering because of the increased presence of fentanyl," stated Senator Blackburn. "The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program assists law enforcement in combating fentanyl trafficking and targeting these criminals, and I fully support reauthorizing and expanding it."

Senator Kelly emphasized the importance of collaboration: "Law enforcement agencies in Arizona are doing their best every single day to keep families safe from lethal drugs like fentanyl. We’re supporting them by boosting collaboration between federal and local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking."

Senator Capito highlighted the impact on West Virginia: "Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse."

"The HIDTA program has been an incredible tool to help law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat drug trafficking and the fentanyl crisis," said Senator Cortez Masto.

Senator Klobuchar noted the broader implications: "The opioid epidemic is taking lives and tearing families apart. We need to continue to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight drug trafficking."

The legislation proposes reauthorizing HIDTA at $333 million annually through 2030, increasing grants for enhanced fentanyl seizure activities, fostering cooperation between key legal entities, and mandating reports on fund usage related to fentanyl investigations.

Arizona's HIDTA was established in 1990, covering several counties including Cochise, Maricopa, Pima, among others. In 2023 alone, Arizona's efforts under HIDTA led to significant seizures of fentanyl pills and powder.

The bipartisan effort reflects a commitment across party lines to address a pressing public health issue affecting numerous states.