INTERDICT Act Gives CBP $9 Million To Spend On Technology To Detect Fentanyl

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As reported by the Washington Post and USA Today, the recently signed into law INTERDICT Act, an acronym for International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology, gives U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) $9 million to increase staff and purchase equipment to detect fentanyl and other opioids at border crossings and mail facilities. The legislation will pay for an array of technology, such as portable and fixed chemical screening devices, laboratory equipment, as well as the personnel.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has said for years they believe that China is the largest source of illicit fentanyl. Drugs are frequently shipped to either Mexico or Canada and then brought across the border, but they are also shipped directly into the U.S. using the U.S. Postal Service. Given the potency of fentanyl, small shipments can be difficult to detect. This bill will give CBP access to more chemical screening devices to help keep even small amounts of fentanyl out.

This bill was originally sponsored in the House by Rep. Niki Tsongas and easily passed 412 to 3. The bill had unanimous approval in the Senate.