Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
Jan Appling Secretary | DeKalb County Republican Party
One of the key promises that helped President-elect Donald Trump secure his election victory is addressing America's border issues. Among the concerns associated with open borders is the influx of dangerous drugs into the country.
Fentanyl, described by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as "about 100 times more potent" than morphine, has been a significant factor in increasing drug overdose deaths in America. However, a new and more lethal drug has emerged, surpassing fentanyl's threat.
According to Fox News, citing data from the CDC’s State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System, carfentanil—a variant of fentanyl—is reportedly "100 times more potent." The CDC warns that deaths from carfentanil increased by over 700% within a year. Specifically, there were 29 fatal overdoses between January and June 2023, rising to 238 during the same period in 2024.
Carfentanil first appeared in 2016 but had receded before its recent resurgence. Its ease of mass production contributes to its popularity among users, complicating efforts to combat America's opioid crisis.
President-elect Trump has expressed his intention to address both the border crisis and drug flow directly. As he searches for a suitable DEA leader, Trump's approach contrasts with incumbent President Joe Biden's indirect methods.
The emergence of other dangerous substances like "tranq," a mixture of fentanyl and an animal sedative seen in cities such as Philadelphia, highlights ongoing challenges.
Trump will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. Those affected by the opioid crisis may anticipate changes under his administration.