Sen. Ossoff boosting support for Georgia’s fight against drug trafficking
In 2020, drug overdose was the leading cause of premature death for Georgians
Fentanyl-related deaths in Georgia increased by more than 218% between 2019-2021
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff secured new resources to crack down on drug trafficking and keep Georgia families safe.
Following his push to eliminate drug trafficking at Georgia’s ports of entry, Sen. Ossoff secured new resources to help crack down on illegal drug circulation in Georgia and combat future spreads.
The new resources will help the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) better identify and stop the production and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids in communities across Georgia.
“The use and abuse of fentanyl, heroin, and illicit opioids is having a devastating impact on communities,” Sen. Ossoff said. “That’s why I’m announcing these new resources for law enforcement here in Georgia to crack down on drug trafficking in our state.”
Sen. Ossoff’s newly secured resources will ensure that GBI has the proper tools and equipment needed to target, arrest, and prosecute drug traffickers in the state.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, between 2019 and 2021, drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 56% and fentanyl-related deaths increased by more than 218%.
Sen. Ossoff remains committed to cracking down on drug trafficking and combatting the drug overdose crisis in Georgia.
Earlier this year, Sen. Ossoff secured a commitment from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to eliminate drug smuggling and trafficking along the Chattahoochee River.
Last year, Sen. Ossoff also successfully worked across the aisle to pass his bipartisan Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act through the U.S. Senate, which will help rural communities prevent opioid deaths and boost community-based treatment programs.
