Summary
Makes certain actions related to fake fentanyl and meth pills illegal and requires the government to create a plan to stop their spread and educate the public.
What problem does this solve?
Dangerous fake pills with fentanyl are being sold, causing many accidental deaths because people don't know what's in them. This bill makes it clearly illegal to sell these pills and forces the government to create a plan to fight the problem and warn people.
Who does this affect?
- Federal law enforcement agencies
- People who manufacture or distribute illegal drugs
- Youth and teenagers
What does this bill do?
Expands illegal drug activities
Adds fentanyl, similar drugs, and counterfeit substances to the list of drugs that are illegal to advertise.
Requires a national plan to fight fake pills
Directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to create and use a plan to deal with fake fentanyl and meth pills.
Mandates annual reports to congress
Requires the Attorney General to give Congress a report every year with data on the seizure of fake pills and the prosecution of people involved.
Focuses on youth education
The national plan must include specific ways to increase education and prevention efforts aimed at young people and teens.
Defines counterfeit substances
Clearly defines a 'counterfeit fentanyl or methamphetamine substance' as a product that contains these drugs but is falsely labeled as another product.
Audits public awareness campaigns
Requires a review of current campaigns, like the 'One Pill Can Kill' campaign, to see how they can be improved to better address the problem.
What is the real world impact?
•
Aims to stop deaths from fake pills
Creates a clear plan for law enforcement to seize fake pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. It also requires public education campaigns to warn people, especially teens, about the dangers of these drugs.
When does this start?
The bill's rules would start after it is signed into law, with specific deadlines for plans and reports.
DEA plan creation
The Drug Enforcement Administration must create its operation and response plan within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
First report to congress
The Attorney General must submit the first report on counterfeit substance data to Congress no later than one year after the bill becomes law.