Current:Home > MarketsOregon Gov. Kotek directs state police to crack down on fentanyl distribution-InfoLens
Oregon Gov. Kotek directs state police to crack down on fentanyl distribution
View Date:2024-12-23 14:38:52
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Tuesday she has directed state police to launch new strategies aimed at disrupting the fentanyl supply chain and holding sellers of the frequently deadly drug accountable.
Kotek said in a statement that she made the announcement at a Tuesday meeting of her task force created to revitalize downtown Portland.
“I want all Oregonians to know that the state is moving forward with several new fentanyl strategic enforcement and disruption strategies,” Kotek’s statement said.
The plans include increasing and reallocating state police staff to local drug enforcement teams, holding trainings with the Oregon Department of Justice to address potential biases and avoid unlawful searches, and leading interagency patrols that emphasize intercepting fentanyl using drug dogs and detectives, Kotek said.
She said a pilot project using a data-driven approach to identifying drug- and alcohol-impaired drivers would also be extended.
During one weekend in May, at least eight people in Portland died of suspected drug overdoses, according to the city’s police bureau. Six of the deaths were likely related to fentanyl, police said.
So far this year, the Oregon State Patrol has seized nearly 233,000 fentanyl pills and 62 pounds of powder, the statement said.
“As we work to cut the supply of fentanyl and hold dealers accountable for selling dangerous drugs, I also remain fully committed to expanding access to critical behavioral health services,” Kotek said.
No details about expanding access to health services were released.
A synthetic opioid, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49. More than 100,000 deaths a year in the U.S. have been tied to drug overdoses since 2020, and about two-thirds of those are related to fentanyl.
Illegally made fentanyl is often added to other drugs, including heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, to increase its potency. Some people are not aware they are taking it.
At the Family Summit on Fentanyl in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a speech that the U.S. Justice Department is sending out about $345 million in federal funding in the next year, including money to support mentoring young people at risk and increasing access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone.
veryGood! (12)
Related
- Michael Jordan and driver Tyler Reddick come up short in bid for NASCAR championship
- What is 'Mean Girls' day? Here's how fans made October 3rd happen.
- Shakira charged for tax evasion again in Spain
- Bahrain rights group says 13 convicted over prison sit-in that authorities say was violent
- Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Prove They're Going Strong With Twinning Looks on NYC Date
- Kia and Hyundai recall more than 3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire
- Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Premiere: Find Out Who Was Eliminated
- Family of West Virginia 13-year-old who was struck, killed by off-duty deputy demands jury trial
- Will Trump curb transgender rights? After election, community prepares for worst
- Flight attendant found dead with sock lodged in her mouth in airport hotel room
Ranking
- Dozens indicted over NYC gang warfare that led to the deaths of four bystanders
- Carbonara burgers and a ‘Spritz Bar’ truck highlight the Ryder Cup food court menu in Italy
- Why Sharon Osbourne Warns Against Ozempic After She Lost 42 Pounds
- What is 'Mean Girls' day? Here's how fans made October 3rd happen.
- Paraguay vs. Argentina live updates: Watch Messi play World Cup qualifying match tonight
- Lebanese military court sentences an Islamic State group official to 160 years in prison
- Leader of Spain’s conservatives loses his first bid to become prime minister and will try again
- Chris Kaba shooting case drives London police to consider army backup as officers hand in gun licenses
Recommendation
-
Northern Taurid meteor shower hits peak activity this week: When and where to watch
-
Ukraine war effort aided by arrival of U.S. tanks as doubts raised over killing of Russian fleet commander
-
Travis Kelce Reveals Family's Reaction to Taylor Swift's Ballsy NFL Appearance
-
North Carolina lottery exceeds $1 billion in annual net earnings for the state for first time
-
Appeals Court Affirms Conviction of Everglades Scientist Accused of Stealing ‘Trade Secrets’
-
This year's COVID vaccine rollout is off to a bumpy start, despite high demand
-
Michigan fake elector defendants want case dropped due to attorney general’s comments
-
The Czech government has approved a defense ministry plan to acquire two dozen US F-35 fighter jets