Trump Signs Bill Targeting Fentanyl Trafficking — Minimum 10-Year Sentence for Illegal Sales | WPN World People News

On July 16, U.S. President Donald Trump officially signed the “Stopping All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act,” aimed at strengthening the crackdown on the synthetic opioid fentanyl and addressing the growing fentanyl abuse crisis. Under the new legislation, substances related to fentanyl will be classified as Schedule I controlled substances. Those caught illegally possessing, manufacturing, or trafficking fentanyl will face a minimum prison sentence of 10 years.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. A dose as small as 2 milligrams can be fatal. The raw materials used to produce fentanyl are primarily manufactured by Chinese companies and are intended for use in legitimate pain relief medications. U.S. officials have stated that fentanyl overdoses have become the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45, making the widespread abuse of the drug one of the most serious social issues in the United States today.

Fentanyl is currently classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., but with the implementation of the new law, related substances will be officially reclassified as Schedule I drugs. This reclassification will subject these substances to stricter regulatory oversight and allow for administrative, criminal, and civil penalties. Lawmakers believe the bill will reduce the incentive for drug trafficking organizations to produce new variants of fentanyl and enhance law enforcement’s ability to prosecute offenders more effectively.

Although the bill has received bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans, some critics warn that it may impose overly harsh penalties on individuals struggling with addiction. Civil rights groups are calling on authorities to not only crack down on drug traffickers but also to increase support for treatment and rehabilitation programs for addicts. They emphasize that addressing the fentanyl crisis requires a comprehensive approach that includes law enforcement, supply chain analysis, and improved social and mental health support systems.