Mississippi Gulf News

Today, Congressman Ezell expressed his support for the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act following its approval by the U.S. House. The legislation aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related analogues as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

"The passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act is a crucial step in our fight against the opioid crisis," said Ezell. "By permanently classifying fentanyl analogues as a Schedule I substance, we are sending a clear message to those who seek to harm our communities: we will not tolerate the spread of deadly drugs. This legislation will help law enforcement keep dangerous substances off our streets and protect families from the devastating effects of fentanyl."

Currently, fentanyl and its analogues are temporarily classified under Schedule I due to an order set to expire on March 31, 2025. The HALT Fentanyl Act seeks to make this classification permanent, simplify research registration processes for Schedule I substances, and remove barriers hindering such research. Additionally, it allows for exemptions when evidence shows that individual analogues should not be listed under Schedule I.

The fentanyl crisis remains a significant concern in the United States. In fiscal year 2024 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 21,889 pounds of fentanyl at the southern border. Fentanyl's potency is notable; it is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, with lethal doses possible from just a few milligrams.