Mainlining Fentanyl: The Crisis Continues

Against all odds, our office is determined to secure the necessary resources to combat opioid addiction, educate the public on the dangers of counterfeit drugs, and advocate for accountability across the board. Here are our initiatives:

Prevention is Key

We emphasize prevention by raising awareness about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl through targeted education initiatives and expansive outreach efforts across the State.
We have collaborated with law enforcement agencies to provide access to drug take-back boxes throughout our communities, enabling families to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications to reduce the risk of misuse and addiction.
Our office has also leveraged legal settlements to provide free vouchers for Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, to first responders.

The Fentanyl Problem

In order to address the growing problem of fentanyl addiction and overdose, we are actively advocating for greater border security measures to prevent fentanyl from being mainlined into our communities.
We are holding drug dealers accountable for the lives they destroy through the sale and distribution of fentanyl, and by pursuing legal action against those responsible, we seek to deter illicit drug trafficking and reduce the availability of fentanyl on our streets.
Our office has also collaborated with other attorneys general to pursue legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for their role in creating the original opioid crisis.

Did you know?

Fentanyl poisoning has become a leading cause of death in Louisiana, particularly among young adults, with the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab reporting a significant increase in fentanyl-related cases. For example, in 2020, only 7% of blood samples brought to the lab had traces of fentanyl; by 2022, it was found in 23% of them.
According to recent statistics, Louisiana recorded over 300 overdose deaths annually in a single parish, highlighting the severity of the crisis. It is now estimated that 1 in 5 arrested for a DWI have fentanyl in their system.
Louisiana has taken legislative action to address the opioid crisis, including a recent amendment to the second-degree murder statute, which now holds drug dealers accountable when the drugs they sell result in fatalities.
The opioid crisis has significant financial implications, costing American taxpayers billions of dollars annually. In 2020 alone, the crisis cost taxpayers nearly $1.5 trillion, with states bearing a substantial portion of this financial burden, including Louisiana.