LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga on Wednesday introduced his plan to increase punishments for fentanyl trafficking as part of the Senate Republican border security package.
“The tragic consequences of our failed federal policies have resulted in thousands of deaths caused by fentanyl — many right here in West Michigan,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “As a state, we can take commonsense, bipartisan steps right now to crack down hard on fentanyl traffickers and dealers in Michigan.
“My legislation is part of a package designed to help save lives and solve this growing problem that’s hurting our country. We can do our part to help safeguard families and protect our communities from fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.”
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, illicit fentanyl is primarily manufactured and smuggled into the U.S. through Mexico. Fentanyl is mixed with other drugs to increase potency. It is about 100 times more potent than morphine, making just 2 milligrams of fentanyl lethal.
Three weeks after six kilograms of fentanyl were seized in Paw Paw Township last year, the DEA seized 20 kilograms of fentanyl in Oakland County. It was the largest-ever fentanyl bust in Michigan and contained enough fentanyl to kill roughly 10 million people.
In 2023, more than 27,000 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the border — an 860% increase compared to 2019 and enough to kill millions of Americans. Drug overdose deaths reached a new high in 2023 and are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
Huizenga’s plan would increase penalties related to the creation, manufacturing, delivery or possession of fentanyl and other classified substances.
The proposal is part of the Strong Borders, Safe Communities plan, which also would require every Michigan community to enforce state and federal immigration laws and calls on the Biden administration to immediately and fully resolve the border crisis.
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