Klobuchar, Portman Call on the DEA to Provide Information to Support First Responders on the Frontlines in the Fight Against Synthetic Opioids

Press Release

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rob Portman (R-OH) have called on the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide additional information in an effort to support first responders on the frontlines in the fight against synthetic opioids. The DEA released safety guidelines for the proper handling of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids for local law enforcement officers and first responders. According to recent reports, law enforcement officers have suffered accidental overdoses after coming into contact with synthetic opioids. In a letter to Acting Administrator Rosenberg, Klobuchar and Portman request that the DEA provide additional information that was considered in developing the safety guidelines, relevant information concerning the nature of threats to law enforcements, and any trends that have been detected in these types of incidents. The senators also asked the DEA to elaborate on any other measures or resources that could improve the safety of law enforcement officers when dealing with synthetic opioids.

Earlier this year, Klobuchar and Portman introduced the Synthetic Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection crack down on shipments containing fentanyl from overseas. The senators have also introduced the Prescription Drug Monitoring Act to require stronger state prescription drug monitoring programs to help to stop addiction before it starts.

"These lethal substances also present particular risks for the local law enforcement officers and first responders who are tasked with keeping our communities safe. Incidental exposure to synthetic opioids is difficult to detect and potentially fatal, and we are deeply concerned by recent reports of officers who have suffered accidental overdoses after coming into contact with these substances while at work," the senators wrote.

The senators continued, "We understand that DEA's new safety guidelines seek to mitigate these threats by providing guidance and resources for the first responders who identify, handle, and risk exposure to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In an effort to better understand and support DEA's efforts, we respectfully request that you provide us with additional information that DEA considered in developing these safety guidelines, including information or statistics regarding the incidence of local law enforcement officers or first responders suffering exposure to fentanyl or any related substances. We also ask for any relevant information concerning the nature of these threats to law enforcement officers and any trends that DEA has detected in these types of incidents. Finally, we ask that you elaborate on any other measures or resources that, in DEA's view, could improve the safety of law enforcement officers when dealing with synthetic opioids."

As a former Hennepin County Attorney, Klobuchar has long led local and national efforts to curb drug abuse and help people overcome addiction. In March, Klobuchar, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), and other senators introduced the Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment (LifeBOAT) Act, which would establish a reliable funding stream to provide and expand access to substance abuse treatment. She and a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Synthetic and Labeling of Toxic Substances (SALTS) Act to make it easier to prosecute the sale of "analogue" drugs, which are synthetic substances that are substantially similar to illegal drugs. In September 2014, the DEA implemented Klobuchar's bipartisan Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act. Under the legislation, consumers are provided with more safe and responsible ways to dispose of unused prescription medications and controlled substances.

Portman, who continues to tour the state meeting with those in recovery and those on the front lines dealing with this epidemic, has been a leader in the fight for more funding to combat the drug crisis. Portman worked to secure $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the recently signed-into-law CURES Act and $181 million annually in discretionary spending for new programs through his recently signed-into-law and bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA). CARA is currently being implemented by the administration.

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