Senator Ossoff steps up support for Georgia’s fight against drug trafficking
In 2020, drug overdose was the leading cause of premature death among Georgians
Fentanyl-related deaths in Georgia increased by more than 218% between 2019 and 2021
Washington, D.C. – US Senator Jon Ossoff secured new resources to fight drug trafficking and protect Georgia families.
Following his push to shut down drug trafficking at Georgia’s ports of entry, Senator Ossoff secured new resources to tackle illicit drug trafficking 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 are having a devastating impact on communities,” Senator Ossoff said. “That’s why I’m announcing these new law enforcement resources here in Georgia to help stop drug trafficking in our state.”
Sen. Ossoff’s newly secured resources will ensure the 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, drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased 56% between 2019 and 2021, and fentanyl-related deaths increased more than 218%.
Senator Ossoff remains committed to cracking down on drug trafficking and addressing Georgia’s drug overdose crisis.
Earlier this year, Senator Ossoff secured a commitment from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to stop drug smuggling and trafficking along the Chattahoochee River.
Over the past year, Senator Ossoff has also worked successfully to get the U.S. Senate to pass his bipartisan Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act, which will help rural communities prevent opioid-related deaths and promote community-based treatment programs.
